The Boys and Girls Track & Field teams delivered outstanding performances at the OHSAA State Championship Track Meet held at Welcome Stadium this past Friday and Saturday. With 11 athletes competing in 8 different events, the Elks showcased their talent and determination, resulting in 10 athletes earning a coveted spot on the Wall at Centerville High School for placing at the State Meet.

The Boys 4x800 Relay team, consisting of Lucas Melzer, Daniel Emmert, Eric Bucher, and Ben Cannon, set the tone on Friday night. The quartet ran a school record time of 7:44.33, securing 7th place in the race and earning their place on the Wall. Their performance marked a strong start for the Elks at the state competition.

Next up were the girls 4x200M Relay team of Lauren Jessup-Aiken, Ashlyn Rickert, Sariah Turner, and Samaria Williams. This dynamic team qualified 4th in their event, setting a new school record with a time of 1:40.02. Their impressive run set the stage for further success.

Sopuluchi Anosike competed in both the 110M Hurdles and the 300M Hurdles but, despite his best efforts, did not make the finals in either event.

Saturday brought more remarkable performances for the Elks. In the morning, Ann Lehmann cleared 11'6" in the pole vault, finishing in 5th place and earning her spot on the Wall. Fellow high jumper Alyssa Grim also had a stellar performance, clearing 5'5" to finish 5th and earn her place on the Wall as well.

The girls 4x200M Relay team returned for the finals on Saturday and made history by becoming the first girls 4x200M Relay team from Centerville to run a sub 1:40 time. They broke their own school record from the previous night with a time of 1:39.30, finishing 3rd in the State and securing their spot on the Wall.

Sopuluchi Anosike also competed in the high jump but did not advance to the finals. Meanwhile, Daniel Emmert ran an incredible 1600M race but unfortunately fell with just 10 meters to go. Despite the fall, which occurred while he was in 5th place, Emmert showed great resilience by finishing the race in 10th place.

The Centerville Track teams' achievements at the State Meet reflect their hard work, dedication, and competitive spirit. Congratulations to all of our athletes on a fantastic State Meet performance!

Summary of Results:

Boys 4x800 Relay: Lucas Melzer, Daniel Emmert, Eric Bucher, Ben Cannon - 7th place, school record (7:44.33)
Girls 4x200M Relay: Lauren Jessup-Aiken, Ashlyn Rickert, Sariah Turner, Samaria Williams - 3rd place, school record (1:39.30)
Ann Lehmann: Pole Vault - 5th place (11'6")
Alyssa Grim: High Jump - 5th place (5'5")
Daniel Emmert: 1600M - 10th place
Sopuluchi Anosike - 110M Hurdles - 9th place
Sopuluchi Anosike - 300M Hurdles - 13th place
Sopuluchi Anosike - High Jump - 15th place (6'2")

Congratulations to all our athletes for their tremendous performances and for making Centerville proud!