The Ogden High School cross country team secured both the Region 12 boys and girls titles at the annual region meet held on Oct. 13, 2026, at the Weber County Fairgrounds. This marks the first time the Tigers have claimed both titles since 2022.
In the girls race, Avery Barton won the 3-mile event by 1 minute and 15 seconds. Other Ogden medalists in the top 10 included Clara Geddes in second, Lucia Bute in seventh, Ally Stark in eighth, and Georgia Smith in ninth. The team also featured freshmen Lucia Bute, Shay Ekstrom, and Molly Ekstrom at the region meet.
Senior Daniel Ekstrom led the boys squad with a first-place finish, finishing approximately 11 seconds ahead of Grantsville's Cooper Clark. Other top finishers for Ogden included junior Ryker Nicholas in third, Josh Nielsen in fifth, Boone Burton in eighth, and Andrew Francis in 10th.
Coach Missy Allred, a former longtime outdoor coach at Ogden, expressed confidence regarding the team's prospects at the upcoming state race in Sugar House. Allred noted that the boys have shown significant growth and accountability, while the senior girls help the younger runners understand the varsity level of competition. The team utilizes an individualized, technical coaching style based on individual progression and consistent routines.
Daniel Ekstrom previously qualified for Nike Nationals in Oregon during the summer. The Ogden High girls team follows a runner-up finish in the 3A classification last year. Coach Allred noted that Avery Barton, who transferred from Bonneville, has participated in various national competitions across the West Coast.
The 3A statewide cross country championships are scheduled for Oct. 27-28 at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City.
