NORTON — While the postseason is the focus of OHSAA cross country , winning the Suburban League title can be a springboard to success in October.

Two Tallmadge state qualifiers and two first-time champions in the National Conference showed they are ready for that postseason run.

Tallmadge's Donevan Noah and Makayla Martuccio swept the American Conference individual titles Oct. 11 at Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton.

Noah was involved in the closest finish of the day. After running with Aurora's Nathan Eminian and Revere's Will Wells for most of the race, Noah hit the jets late to win in 15:55, just a few strides ahead of Eminian (15:56.3)

"I decided to go on the hill with about three-fourths of a mile left," Noah said. "I just wanted to kick on the uphill ahead of the finish then m

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