Local Track and Field Race: Competing for Victory

The 116th Ohio High School Athletic Association’s state track and field championships are set to kick off at Welcome Stadium on the campus of the University of Dayton, with 21 athletes from eight schools vying for gold. The event had to be moved from Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium due to track renovations, with Welcome Stadium hosting the tournament for the first time since 2003.

In the Division II boys’ competition, Steubenville leads the Ohio Valley entrants with four individuals and two relay teams. Freshman Ziare Scurry, who won the 400 at regionals, will also compete in the 4×200 and 4×400 relays. St. Clairsville has two individual qualifiers and a relay team, with senior Ben Shields and Perry Patrone leading the charge.

Union Local’s Johnny Sabinski is a standout double qualifier in the shot put and discus events, aiming to challenge Creston Norwayne’s Dillon Morlock for the top spot. In the girls’ Division II events, Steubenville’s Sabria Jones and Buckeye Local’s Brynn McKeever are set to compete in multiple individual events, while St. Clairsville’s Emma Henry and Ava Crum look to make their mark.

In Division III, Shadyside’s Nathan Brooks set a regional record in the 110-meter high hurdles, while Martins Ferry’s Carter Bennett and Steubenville Catholic’s Andrew Rohde are also strong contenders. Bellaire’s Alyson Vingia and Caldwell’s Gwyn Lori are among the top performers in the girls’ events.

With fierce competition and talented athletes on display, the state track and field championships promise to be an exciting and action-packed event for all involved.