Celebrating the Class of 2026. Congratulations to Springfield’s cross country seniors, from left: Ella Jordan, Emma Lyons, Autumn Sowinski, Jack Taylor, Trevor Smithback and Zach White. These athletes were recognized for their dedication, leadership and the countless miles they’ve logged-both on the course and in their growth as teammates. Athletes leading the charge are junior David Eckel, who earned First Team All-League honors, and John Iman, named Second Team All-League. David shared insight into his dedication and mindset heading into districts: “I probably run around 1,700 miles a year. At this point, it’s just maintenance—tapering. All the work was put in over the summer. Now it’s about dialing in.” Teammate John added his own take on preparation and team bonding: “Carb loading helps, but it’s really about keeping your glycogen full and eating consistently. We like to have pasta dinners on Thursdays—it’s bonding time before the meet.” Head Coach Mike Shull, along with Cheri Copeland-Shull and Eleanor Kosek, praised this year’s team for their grit, growth and unity, as they prepare for districts at Liberty Center.
Springfield High School’s cross country team, along with community members and district administrators, gathered October 11, at Walsh Park in Fremont for the Northern Lakes League (NLL) cross country championships—a meet that celebrated both competition and community as the Blue Devils honored their senior runners and marked another milestone in the team’s rebuilding journey.
A Team Built on Legacy and Resilience Head Coach Mike Shull, now in his seventh year with the program, reflected on the team’s steady rebuild after pandemic-era participation declines.
“After COVID, our numbers dropped significantly,” Shull said. “But what we have now is a standing community— one that celebrates milestones, motivates each other through tough practices and genuinely enjoys the journey together. It’s an incredible culture.”
Shull, alongside assistant coaches Cheri Copeland-Shull and Eleanor Kosek (in her first year), has fostered a supportive and disciplined environment focused on consistency, endurance and team connection.
Training That Tests … and Transforms
The team’s preparation is as rigorous as it is relational. Athletes train six days a week, averaging 20 to 30 miles per week, combining sprint intervals, recovery runs and longdistance practices across the Toledo Metroparks—especially at Homecoming Park and Oak Openings.
“Your body needs to run the distance with speed—and have the ability to recover,” Shull explained. “We work so much on pacing: sprint, slow, sprint, slow.”
Their preparation includes speed workouts like 12 x 200meter sprints and 400-meter intervals designed to push the athletes’ limits and strengthen their endurance for major meets like the NLL championships and upcoming districts at Liberty Center.
Coach Shull proudly noted David Eckel’s performance as he continues to chase Springfield’s school record of 16:02 for 3.1 miles.
“David ran a 16:05 last year as a sophomore and 16:11 this year as a junior,” Shull said.
“He’s right there—just seconds away. If he stays healthy and runs strong, there’s a real chance he can move on to state.”
Behind the Scenes and Beyond the Finish Line Assistant Coach Cheri Copeland-Shull plays a vital role in the program’s day-today operations—from bus scheduling to stats, photography, social media and weekly morale-building traditions.
“Each week we give out a stuffed Energizer Bunny and snacks to whomever achieves a new personal record or just needs a boost,” she shared. “It’s about recognizing effort, not just time. We’ve built relationships with these runners, and it’s a joy to celebrate every finish.”
Her commitment to highlighting each athlete’s journey, both on and off the course, embodies the community- first spirit that defines Springfield’s program.
Looking Ahead
The Blue Devils advance to the district championships at Liberty Center, where they hope to continue their season with strong performances and team unity at the forefront.
“This sport is grueling— you don’t realize the work until you’re in it,” said Shull. “But the true success is in how they show up for each other. That’s the heart of Springfield cross country.”
