While every event at the state meet is important and fun to watch and each has its little elements and story lines that interest different individuals, but here are five events that should be labeled "Do Not Miss." If you are a true fan of Track and Field you won't want to miss these events.
1. 100m Hurdles
Prelims on Friday at 10:00am
Finals on Saturday at 9:30am
Defending champion and State record holder (14.44) Teddi Jo Maslowski of Steubenville Catholic is back to defend her title. She leads a field that has three others under 15:00. Senior Sarah Meier of Grandview (14.70), Junior Carrie Ruffener of Bucyrus Wynford (14.75) and Carly Willimason, a Junior and returing 2010 3rd place State finalist (14.86).
2. 100m Dash
Prelims on Friday at 10:20am
Finals on Saturday at 9:40am
This is a must as Candace Longino-Thomas, Gilmour Academy, the State record holder in the event and the Stadium record holder runs. She is the only girl under 12:00 with an 11.75. On her heels will be Crystal Barber, a Junior from Rittman with a 12.10 in Regionals and Ivy Horn, another Junior, of Waynsefield-Goshen, with a 12.17. Both Horn and Barber are returning State finalists from 2010. Horn was 3rd in 12.51.
3. 1600m Run
Saturday at 10:05
Defending State 3,200 champion and last years 3rd place 1600 finisher (5:04), Junior Tammy Berger of Versailles returns. This one should be close as three other State finalsits from last year join Berger. Senior Shayla Seifker of Ottoville, who finished right behind Berger last year and has run 5:07.69 this year, Sophomore Alexandra Markovic of Hawken, who finished 8th last year (5:11.62) ran 5:08.79 in Regionals and Senior Julie Pusateri, Lou. St. Thomas, last years 4th place finisher (5:08.31). Berger is a determined runner with a strong finish, bu this one should be close.
4. Girls Shot
Friday at 3:00pm
Defending champion Senior Jackie Lepplemeir of McComb (45-00.25) just set a new D3 State record in Regionals with a throw of 48'08.25 and may challenge for the all-time state record. Two other girls are well over the 40' mark as well. Junior Alyssa Gary of Findlay Liberty Benton (45'.02.00") and Senior Kendra Averesch of Leipsic (42'.00.75").
5. Girls PV
Friday at 12:00 Noon
One, two and three from last year are all returning. Defending champion Junior Amanda Hotaling of North Baltimore (12-03), Junior Ellie Braidic of Pandora-Gilboa (12-03) and Tori Meyer of Hamler Patrick Henry (11-09). All three are jumping well and could challenge the D3 State meet record of 12-05.
