by Theresa Garee

When math teacher Megan Zabiegala took over as cross country coach for the Groveport Madison High School, she had a vision to shine a light on the sport and its dedicated athletes.

“During my first year, I focused on developing the program from the ground up. I found the perfect assistant coach, Daphne Hosley, and together we began creating a team culture. We built strong relationships with our runners, proving to them that we weren’t just temporary — we were the coaches who would be right beside them, running and growing together,” Zabiegala said.

It was after the first year, she realized she could do more for her athletes. After some research, it was made apparent that the Groveport Madison High School had never hosted a cross country invitational. It took Zabiegala, Hosley, and countless others a full year to plan the first Cruiser Invitational.

“I’ve often been called a perfectionist—I like things to look “just right”—and this event was no exception. I wanted the Cruiser Invitational to be more than just another meet. I wanted it to be the moment where GMHS Cross Country got back on the map. I wanted the Groveport community to see the amazing things happening here. And most of all, I wanted our runners to feel recognized—on their home turf, for a change,” Zabiegala said.

The Cruiser Invitational welcomed 14 schools on Aug. 30 to participate in the 5000 meter run for high school athletes or the 3200 meter run for middle school athletes. Although Bishop Hartley took both the girls and boys 5000 meter wins, and Wellington Middle school took both boys and girls 3200 meter wins, the day was still historical for all Groveport Madison School District athletes.

Zabiegala keeps track of all the cross country runners personal bests. In planning the invitational she noted there was no place that housed GM athlete cross country records. This is her next goal.

“While I may not be able to honor every runner from the past and the hard work they put in, I can start now — marking history as it happens,” Zabiegala said.

Her goal is to build the program from the ground up with fresh eyes and a dedication to the athletes.

“Our sport is often seen as punishment for other sports. That alone says a lot about the grit and determination of the student-athletes who choose to be part of cross country,” Zabiegala said.