Andy Payne Posts A Time of 9:10.97 To Secure 3200m D1 Indoor State Title

Mar 05, 2018

Thomas Worthington's Andy Payne took the 3200m race win with his time of 9:10.97.

Andy Payne recorded a time of 9:10.97 to claim the D1 3200m win at Saturday's OATCCC Indoor State Championship in Geneva.

Payne, who is an Eastern Michigan University signee, outlasted Hudson's Adam Beucler in what was one of the meet's more entertaining races. Both athletes held the lead on multiple occasions, but it was Payne who made a definitive move late to secure the victory. Beucler finished second due to his 9:13.65 effort. Following the race, the Thomas Worthington senior credited much of his success to the training that he shares with teammate and good friend, Arjun Jha.

Here is Jha's reaction to Payne's performance:

Andy Payne is an absolute BEAST. Witnessing his dub in the 3200m today is something I'll never forget. Y'all should have been there to see it in person. Congrats champ @andy_____payne beyond honored to be your friend! #NEVERSleepOnAndyPayne
-- Arjun Jha (@ArjunJha_) March 4, 2018

According to the Thomas Worthington coaching staff, Payne's triumph marks the first male athlete to win an individual indoor state championship in school history and the first male runner to win an individual track and field state championship of any kind since 2001.

Andy Payne (@andy_____payne) winning the 3200m makes him the first TWHS male athlete to win an individual indoor state title and the first TWHS male runner to win a individual state title of any kind since John Kelly won the outdoor 400m in 2001. @TWHSAthletics pic.twitter.com/iWc07yNOTU
-- Bill Darling (@WilliamTDarling) March 4, 2018

Payne's result also represents an Ohio No. 4, a US No. 13 (not including the 2 Mile conversion), a new Thomas Worthington school record and a new pr. Check out Andy's post-race interview: