Meet Preview: 2026 Wayne Invitational

This is a stacked preview, one of the deepest all-around meets you'll see at the high school level. Here's a short breakdown of what matters most and where the biggest storylines are:

• The Wayne Invitational has evolved into a two-day, elite-level meet with state-meet caliber fields.
• 2026 looks especially loaded with depth across every event group, not just top-end talent.
• Can Dom Ellis break the 3200 record?
• Will Wayne dominate relays on home turf?
• Just how fast will the boys 100m final go with that depth?
• The girls 800m clash between two state champions
• Elite pole vault showdown on the boys side

Sprints (Boys) These finals will be crowded and fast-no easy qualifying.

• 100m: 14 athletes under 11.00 - that's elite depth
• Favorite: Trevon Baxter (10.56)
• Close challengers: Will Strong, Cooper Ailes
• 200m: Key'Shawn Garrett (20.74) leads a tight field
• 400m: 15 under 50 seconds
• Top contender: Levi Campbell (47.65)

Sprint Relays Expect razor-thin margins and possibly multiple teams dipping into elite times.

• Wayne leads both 4x100 (41.79) and 4x200 (1:26.70)
• Up to 15 teams under 1:30 in the 4x200
• 4x400 is wide open between Glenville, Butler, Wayne, and others

Hurdles One of the deepest hurdle meets you'll find anywhere

• Keng Martin (Wayne) is the star:
• 13.80 (110H)
• 36.31 (300H)
• 110H: 14 athletes under 14.97
• 300H: 12 under 40 seconds

Distance (Boys) This is arguably the strongest distance slate of the meet.

3200m

• Dom Ellis (8:54.94) could break the meet record
• 16 runners under 9:38

1600m

• Top 8 all under 4:18
• Penkowski vs Davis = must-watch

800m

• 32 runners under 2:00 (!!)
• Brock Jarrett (1:51.74) leads
• Potential double attempts from Ellis & Davis

Field Events (Boys) Pole vault is probably the premier field event here.

• Pole Vault: Unreal
• Multiple vaulters at 16-17 feet
• High Jump: Several at 6'8-6'10
• Long Jump: 9 over 22 feet
• Shot/Discus: Strong but less top-heavy
• Triple Jump:
• Elijah Harris (51'4) and Garrett chasing meet record

Girls Highlights

Sprints

• Azarae Hawkins (Mason) leads both 100m (11.75) and 200m (24.19)
• Huge depth:
• 34 girls under 12.94 (100m)

Relays

• Gahanna Lincoln & Mason dominate sprint relays
• Mason leads 4x400 (3:48)

Hurdles

• Latorian Freeman (13.95) tops 100H
• Claire Downer leads 300H

Distance That 800 might be the best girls race of the meet.

• 1600m: Brooke Chapman (4:45) headlines a deep field
• 800m showdown:
• Celia Schulte (2:04)
• Addyson Abner (2:07)

Field Events

• Pole Vault: Up to 13'6
• Long Jump: Downer leads at 18'10
• Shot Put: Austin White (46'8) clearly ahead
• Discus: Tight competition around 140'

The Wayne Track Invitational dates back to the 1970s. After two decades of competition, the meet was discontinued in 1995 due to the construction of a new track. It returned in 1998, and over the past 28 years, it has grown from a one-day event into a two-day showcase filled with elite competition and record-breaking performances. The 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the best yet-and that's saying something.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect across the events.

Sprints

Every year, this category seems to reach a new level-and somehow, it keeps getting faster. A look at the 100-200 and 400-meter dashes shows just how deep the competition is.

Boys - 100 meters Fourteen athletes are entered with times of 10.97 or faster, led by Trevon Baxter of Columbus Grove (10.56). Tipp City's Will Strong (10.57, 5th last year), freshman Cooper Ailes of Olentangy Liberty (10.69), and Nicholas Thompson of Hartley (10.80) headline a loaded field. Also in the mix are Deegan Miller (Ottawa-Glandorf, 10.80), Micah Fisher (Hilliard Bradley, 10.84), Peyton Caudill (Minford, 10.80, 7th last year), and Bernard Sharp (Stivers, 10.86), rounding out a highly competitive top eight.

Boys - 200 meters Wayne's Key'Shawn Garrett (20.74, runner-up last year) leads a field that includes six athletes under 22 seconds. Will Strong (21.48, 4th last year), Nicholas Thompson (21.75), Deegan Miller (21.79), Bernard Sharp (21.90), and Cooper Ailes (21.97) are all contenders. Jamien Martin of Mason (22.00) and Roman Wilborne of Beavercreek (22.05) complete the top group.

Boys - 400 meters Depth defines this event, with 15 athletes entered at 49.97 or faster. Vandalia-Butler's Levi Campbell (47.65, runner-up last year) leads the field, followed by Nick Herubin of Olentangy Orange (47.96). Peyton Caudill (48.51), Jamien Martin (48.51), Chase Spencer of Turpin (48.62), Zyhier Coles (48.83), William Pizzico (49.03), and Aiden Hildebrand round out a strong top eight.

Sprint Relays

Wayne enters with the fastest times in both the 4x100 and 4x200 relays this season, posting marks of 41.79 and 1:26.70. But the margin is razor-thin.

In the 4x100 relay, Olentangy Liberty (41.81), Kings (41.88), Hilliard Bradley (41.97), Glenville (42.23), Olentangy Berlin (42.03), Olentangy Orange (42.44), and Mason (42.34) form a deep and competitive field behind Wayne.

The 4x200 relay is just as loaded. After Wayne, Mason (1:27.32), Butler (1:27.38), Glenville (1:27.97), Olentangy Liberty (1:27.73), Beavercreek (1:28.56), Miamisburg (1:28.57), and Ottawa-Glandorf (1:28.74) round out the top eight. Notably, 15 teams have entered with times under 1:30.00, highlighting the depth of this event.

In the 4x400 relay, Glenville (3:17.61) and Butler (3:19.47) hold the top times, but Wayne, Cedarville, Beavercreek, Centerville, Mason, and Turpin are all capable of contending in what should be a wide-open race.

Hurdles

The hurdle events feature both depth and star power, led by one of the meet's top returners.

In the 110-meter hurdles, 14 athletes are entered under 14.97. Wayne's Keng Martin leads the field with a personal best of 13.80 and returns as last year's runner-up. He'll be challenged by TJ Lichter (Olentangy Liberty, 14.28), Michael Tucker (Troy, 14.44, 4th last year), Miles King (Olentangy Berlin, 14.51, 6th last year), Granderson Poindexter (Hartley, 14.58), Elijah Heitkamp (Fort Loramie, 14.64), and Anthony Smith (Hilliard Darby, 14.66).

The 300-meter hurdles are equally competitive, with 12 athletes entered under 39.93. Martin again headlines the field, alongside defending champion Miles King. Other top contenders include Elijah Heitkamp (38.24), Bradyn Long (Cedarville, 38.59), Braylon Keyes (Springfield, 38.85), Camdem Pham (Lakota East, 38.99), Day'lynn Garrett (Covington, 39.16), and Caleb Sechrest (Bellefontaine, 39.27).

The shuttle hurdle relay takes on a new look this year, as hurdle heights drop from 36" to 30" following an OHSAA rule change. Faster times are expected as a result. Wayne enters with the top mark at 56.34, with Olentangy Liberty, Mason, and Centerville all positioned to challenge.

Distance

Distance events once again promise high-level competition across the board.

The 3200-meter run features 16 athletes under 9:38.59, making it one of the deepest races of the meet. St. Xavier's Dom Ellis is the only entrant under nine minutes, with an 8:54.94 that would break the current meet record of 8:57.90. He'll face strong competition from Bennett Lehman (Ansonia, 9:11.36), Caden Winship (Mason, 9:12.07), Landon Kimmell (Tipp City, 9:14.82), Joshua Linde (Springboro, 9:17.08), Cameron Lindsey (Oakwood, 9:20.02), Jagger Dollyenmeyer (Cincinnati CHCA, 9:20.88), and Michael Kinzer (Dublin Scioto, 9:21.40).

In the 1600-meter run, the top eight entries are all under 4:18.65. Matthew Penkowski of Mentor leads at 4:13.61, closely followed by Jackson Davis of Beavercreek (4:13.81). Also in contention are Graham Tyler (Dublin Jerome, 4:17.20), Kole Hoyer (Hilliard Darby, 4:17.66), Ben Wetzel (Madeira, 4:18.15), Tony Moorman (Versailles, 4:18.16), Cameron Carn (London, 4:18.64), and Beckett Negley (Mechanicsburg, 4:18.65).

The 800-meter run may be the deepest event of the meet, with 32 athletes entered under 2:00 and the 16th seed still at 1:57.29. Lancaster teammates Brock Jarrett (1:51.74) and Gabriel McNeil (1:52.89) lead the field. Jackson Davis will attempt the 800-1600 double, entering at 1:53.76. Other top runners include Kade Schwiekardt (Bethel, 1:53.92) and Dom Ellis (1:55). Rounding out the top group are Aiden Allen (1:55.83), Paras Yadav (1:55.85), and Ethan Ishida (1:55.94).

In the distance medley relay, St. Xavier, Beavercreek, Dublin Jerome, Lancaster, Hilliard Darby, Springboro, Milford, and Olentangy Orange are all strong contenders.

The 4x800 relay features another deep field, led by St. Xavier, Troy, Ottawa-Glandorf, Mason, Cincinnati CHCA, Cedarville, Hilliard Bradley, and Valley View. Troy has already broken the eight-minute barrier this season.

Field Events

The pole vault competition will be one of the premier events of the meet, with the top 12 vaulters in the state competing in the elite section-all having cleared at least 15 feet. Cincinnati Country Day's Luke Schnieber leads the field at 17'0.25", followed by Corey Davis (Chesapeake, 16'8"). Other 16-foot vaulters include Cade Shellhaas (Ansonia, 16'6"), Carter Daniels (Ben Logan, 16'1.75"), Ethan Ireland (Centerville, 16'1.75"), and Hudson Williams (Zane Trace, 16'0.25"). A deep supporting field rounds out what may be the strongest vault competition in the state this season.

In the high jump, 15 athletes have cleared at least 6'4". Teague Boland of Moeller leads at 6'10", with Jarrod Holland (Columbus Grove) and Trey Sellers (Tipp City) both at 6'8". Several others-including Brian Coel (Olentangy Orange), Nehemiah Smith (Wayne), Oscar Salsburey (Ottawa-Glandorf), and Jaxson Rice (New Philadelphia)-have cleared 6'6", creating a championship-level field.

The long jump is led by Ronald Neal of Gahanna Lincoln at 23'9.5", with nine athletes over 22 feet. Cooper Ailes (23'1"), Trevon Baxter (23'0.5"), Carter Sullivan (23'0.25"), and Will Strong (22'11.5") headline a competitive group.

In the shot put, Koa Anoai of Moeller leads with a throw of 60'8", followed by Crew Estep of Springfield Northwestern (59'10"). Several others are clustered in the low-to-mid 50-foot range, making for a competitive field.

The discus features Ivan Sinkowski of Dublin Scioto leading the way at 193'4". A strong group of throwers follows, with multiple athletes over 170 feet.

In the triple jump, Elijah Harris of Westerville Central enters with a mark of 51'4". Wayne's Key'Shawn Garrett (47'9.25), the defending champion, and Bright Sibomana of Springboro (46'4.25) are also top contenders. With the meet record at 47'7.5", this is an event to watch closely.

Girls Competition

Sprints

The girls' competition is just as deep and competitive as the boys', with standout performances across all sprint events.

In the 100-meter dash, Azarae Hawkins of Mason leads the field with an 11.75. Gahanna Lincoln's Brionna Wright (11.94, 4th last year) and Moriah Dixon (12.06) are close behind, along with Jade Wallace of Middletown (12.09) and Alivia Grothause of Ottawa-Glandorf (12.12). Mason's Nora Moore (12.17), Cloie Williams of Chaminade Julienne (12.24, 8th last year), and Mashayla Valentine of Belmont (12.26) round out the top eight. Overall, 34 athletes are entered at 12.94 or faster, underscoring the event's depth.

In the 200-meter dash, Hawkins again sets the pace with a 24.19. She'll be pushed by Gahanna Lincoln teammates Moriah Dixon (24.37) and defending champion Aliyah Bennett (24.51), along with Serenity Franklin of Pickerington Central (24.62). Alivia Grothause (24.91) and Mason's Taylor Birdsong (24.97) are also in contention. In total, 22 athletes have entered with times of 25.96 or better.

The 400-meter dash features 24 athletes under 59.94, making it one of the deeper races on the track. Tori Killens of Mason leads the field at 55.67, followed by Brooklyn Wineberg of Walnut Hills (56.87) and Nia Poole of Dayton Early College Academy (57.00). Wayne's Ma'Khayla Bass (57.08), Centerville's Sariah Turner (57.47), Hartley's Cori Harris (57.84), Emma Heringhaus of Ottawa-Glandorf (57.92), Hayden Sorrell of Valley View (57.93), and Mashayla Valentine (58.94) complete a strong top group.

Sprint Relays

In the 4x100 relay, eight teams are entered under 48.99. Gahanna Lincoln leads at 46.82, followed closely by Mason (47.07) and Chaminade Julienne (47.66). Springfield (48.01), Middletown (48.11), Ottawa-Glandorf (48.66), Olentangy Orange (48.98), and Centerville (48.99) round out a highly competitive field.

The 4x200 relay is led by Mason at 1:39.67, with Gahanna Lincoln just behind at 1:39.99. Troy (1:41.74), Wayne (1:42.01), Walnut Hills (1:42.74), Ottawa-Glandorf (1:43.34), Springfield (1:43.73), and Dayton Early College Academy (1:44.00) complete the top eight.

In the 4x400 relay, Mason again holds the top seed at 3:48.69. Gahanna Lincoln (3:53.00) and Valley View (3:55.34) follow, with Butler, Wayne, Minster, Ottawa-Glandorf, and Northmont all within striking distance in what should be a tightly contested race.

Hurdles

The hurdle events feature a mix of established contenders and emerging talent.

In the 100-meter hurdles, Latorian Freeman of Gahanna Lincoln leads the field at 13.95. She is followed by Mikaylah Chandler of Lakota East (14.18), Jade Wallace (14.34), Madison Jones of Dayton Early College Academy (14.50), Molly Brame of Minster (14.67), Ashlynn Jones-Bailey of Gahanna Lincoln (14.70), and Sally Altenburg of Oakwood (14.91).

In the 300-meter hurdles, Claire Downer of Chaminade Julienne is the top seed at 43.81. Mikaylah Chandler (44.13) remains a strong contender, along with Kareena Vandervort (44.92) and Karenza Vandervort (45.46) of Butler. Madison Jones (45.55), Aubrey Creed of Miami Trace (45.67), Sally Altenburg (45.80), and Violet Wright of Fairmont (45.95) round out the leading group.

In the shuttle hurdle relay, Gahanna Lincoln leads the way with a sub-60 performance of 59.80. Wayne (64.49), Mason (66.43), and Troy (66.69) are also among the top entries.

Distance

Distance events on the girls' side are equally competitive, with several standout matchups.

The 1600-meter run includes 20 athletes entered under 5:17.84. Brooke Chapman of Olentangy Orange leads the field at 4:45.58. Elana Aldrink of Olentangy Liberty (4:52.87) and Adriana Luking of Talawanda (4:58.70) follow, with Bridget McKee of Turpin (5:01.83) and Ava Dickenson of Lakota East (5:02.09) also among the top contenders. A deep field continues through Lucy Marketos (Kings), Atilia Hawkins (Mason), Gemma Pusteri (Hilliard Davidson), Ella Smith (Springboro), Claire Bonham (Minster), and Grace Brown (Bellefontaine).

In the 3200-meter run, Natalie Fouts of Dublin Jerome leads at 10:31.61 after placing third last year. Molly Deardorff (Lakota East, 10:40.52) and Ruby Lewis (Gahanna Lincoln, 10:42.48) are close behind, along with Erica Kaulen (Hilliard Davidson, 10:42.55). Additional contenders include Maggie Gerschutz of Wadsworth (10:45.45), Mackenzie Kline (10:58.79), Olivia Smeck (11:03.51), and Delaney Cahill (11:09.49).

The 800-meter run features one of the marquee matchups of the meet. Defending champion Addyson Abner of Valley View (2:07.46), also the 2025 Division II state champion, will face Division I state champion Celia Schulte of Hilliard Davidson (2:04.65). Also in the field are Brooke Chapman (2:12.22), Kaya Asinjo of Oakwood (2:13.98), Atilia Hawkins (2:14.87), Bridget Snider (2:15.08), and Abbie McBrearty (2:15.46).

Field Events

The pole vault features ten athletes who have cleared 11 feet or higher. Claire Iaciofano of Turpin leads the field at 13'6", followed by Addie Kash of Oakwood (12'8"). Sydney Baker (Franklin Monroe) and Mila Gelbart (Oakwood) have both cleared 12'3", while London Reichert (Ansonia, 12'2") and several others round out a strong field.

In the long jump, 12 athletes have surpassed 17 feet. Claire Downer leads at 18'10" and returns as the defending champion. Megan Strong of Tippecanoe (18'6") and Genesis Poke of Pickerington Central are close behind, with several others clustered in the 17-18 foot range.

The high jump includes 20 athletes over 5 feet. Patience Locklear of Hartley leads at 5'8", while Claire Downer, Janelle Siegel (Fort Loramie), and Alyssa Grim (Centerville) have each cleared 5'5". A tightly grouped field follows just behind.

In the triple jump, Anais Early of Beavercreek leads with a mark of 36'3", followed by Averie Gonya of Columbus DeSales (35'6"). Wayne teammates Trinity Perkins and SaMya Wilder are also top contenders, both coming off strong indoor state performances.

The shot put is led by Mason's Austin White with a throw of 46'8". Kelsey Snapp of Bellefontaine (41'7.75) is next, with a competitive group of throwers in the high-30 to low-40-foot range rounding out the field.

In the discus, Raegan Rickman of Hartley leads with a throw of 141'10", followed closely by Kelsey Snapp (139'). Ava Shon of Dublin Jerome (131'5") and several others complete a solid group of top competitors.

So sit back and enjoy some great high school track competition!