For this week's edition of Ohio Future Stars, we looked at an athlete who recently set a new personal best of 18:07.88 this past weekend in Louisville at Trinity / Valkyrie Invitational.
Bella Conforti of Olentangy Orange, who is now the top underclassman so far this season in Ohio.
So far this season, Conforti has shown that she will be one to look out for to make the podium at the OHSAA State Championships, as the sophomore has had quite the breakout season so far, dipping not just under the 20-minute barrier, but also under the 19-minute barrier and could soon eclipse under 18 minutes as well, reinforced with back-to-back weeks of personal bests and big performances:
8/24 - GlenOak Golden Eagle Invitational - 19:06.70
8/31 - Hilliard Davidson Hot Summer Bash - 18:44.73
9/7 - McGowan Invitational - Watkins Memorial - 18:10.52
9/20 - Trinity / Valkyrie Invitational - 18:07.88
When reflecting back at her freshman year, the jump between her seasons best from last fall (20:25.05) has improved by a minute following her season opener and two minutes from her performance in Louisville.
Last year, she did not qualify for the state championships but so far it looks like things will be completely different this fall.