During halftime of Saturday night’s boys' basketball game, we proudly recognized the West Liberty-Salem Boys Cross Country for one of the most successful seasons in program history.
The 2025 Big Orange finished the season with an outstanding 169–14 overall record, with four of those losses coming against Division I, II, and III state champions or a state runner-up. Along the way, the Tigers captured team titles at the Bob Schul Invitational, Columbus Grove Invitational, and Ohio Caverns Invitational, were crowned Ohio Heritage Conference Champions, claimed the Division III District Championship, placed 4th at the DIII Regional, and then delivered an incredible performance to finish as the Division III State Runner-Up.
This remarkable season was powered by outstanding individual performances and leadership across the roster. Asher Cole earned 1st Team All-Ohio honors and set the school’s 5K record with a blazing time of 15:31.5, while Caleb Larson, a team captain, was named a 2x 1st Team All-Ohioan, a 3x Academic All-Ohioan, and ranks second on the school’s 5K record board with a time of 15:39.6. Fellow captain Dylan King added 2nd Team All-Ohio honors and is a 3x Academic All-Ohioan, while Brayan Gullett earned 2nd Team All-Ohio recognition for his strong sophomore campaign. Team captain Garrett Wallen, a 3x Academic All-Ohioan, played a pivotal role as the team’s key fifth runner at the state meet, and Brevin Louden, also a team captain, was recognized as a 2x Academic All-Ohioan.
Together, these athletes set the standard for excellence both on the course and in the classroom. Led by a strong senior class, dedicated underclassmen, and the steady guidance of Coach Mike Louden, who is celebrating 20 years of leadership, this team exemplified what it means to compete with grit, discipline, and selflessness.
👏 Please join us in, once again, congratulating the 2025 Big Orange Boys Cross Country Team Division III State Runner-Ups!
#TigerPride 🐾🧡🖤