(1600m Section 1)
A collection of the nation's best track and field competitors met at the SPIRE Institute for the Ohio Championship Preview meet on Saturday in Geneva.
Melissa Riggins from Shady Side Academy in Pennsylvania crossed the border and won the 800m and 1600m, running a 2:10.47 and 4:55.33, respectively. In the other distance event, Kate Putman from Cicero-North Syracuse in New York delivered a quick 10:54.0 win in the 3200m. Allison Johnson from Mount Gilead set OH No. 1 marks in the 800m and 1600m, running times of 2:13.39 and 4:56.40.
Paige Floriea from Mentor posted a OH No. 1 time in the 200m, running a 24.66, placing third behind Kaila Jackson (24.29) and Leeah Burr (24.44), who were both representing Track Life University in Michigan.
Abby Suszek from Cornerstone also posted a OH No. 1 time - her effort came in the 400m, where she ran a 57.42, placing 7th in the event. Aaliyah Pyatt from Massaponax in Virginia took the victory with a US No. 2 clocking of 55.07.
Natalia Surdej from Lancaster in New York recorded a US No. 1 performance, throwing a 58-0 mark in the weight throw event.
St. Charles' Owen Karas posted a OH No. 1 time in the 1600m, running a 4:14.18, which was good enough to win the event as he came from behind over the final 400 meters by splitting sub-60 seconds in the process. Evan Bork from St. Edward crossed the line second in the 3200m, running a 9:17.11 which stands as a OH No. 1. He was just edged out by Riley Hough from Hartland in Michigan, who ran 9:15.92 for the win.
Kiefer Bell, representing Team Running2Win, took home first in the 800m, along with a OH No. 1 distinction, as he put up a 1:54.42 mark. Bell's time is No. 7 nation-wide for the 2021 indoor season.
Pickerington North senior, Zamen Siyoum won the 60mH, running a 7.87, which is good for a US No. 3 in the event.
Jaylen Barringer made his way to Geneva from the state of Virginia and had a major impact on the national leaderboard. The Freedom Woodbridge senior crossed the line first in the 400m, running a 47.80, which was good for a US No. 2 performance.
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