The Ohio Indoor State track and field meet did not disappoint this year. From exciting finishes to record breaking performances, the state meet was a treat for all track and field enthusiasts.
Olentangy Liberty had a strong representation at the meet. On the boys side, the Patriots had multiple podium finishes. TJ Lichter kicked things off with a fourth place finish in the 60 meter hurdles, running an 8.15, breaking his own school record.
Daniel Anyenechi and Jacob Ogilbee also took podium finishes. Anyenechi finished 8th in the 60 with a 6.99. Ogilbee finished 7th in the 800 with a 1:58.74, despite almost being pushed out of the race by another runner.
The boys also saw performances from Gordon Kimberly in the 1600 and a 4×800 relay, which consisted of Brandon Craig, Espen Elfers, Ethan Hsieh, and Jack Walton.
The Liberty girls saw great success in the distance field, with Elena Aldrink finishing second in the 3200 with a 10:24. Aldrink has had a strong run of performances this year, winning the Ohio Cross Country state championship and breaking 5:00 in the mile earlier this year.
The girls 4×800 proved to be one of the best in the state, finishing 6th once again proving to be one of the best distance programs in the country. The team of Elena Aldrink, McKinley Newcomer, Katie Boettcher, and Bridget Snider
Bridget Snider finished 12th in the 800 with a time of 2:21.6. Bridget set the school record in the 800 earlier this year, running a 2:18.81 at the Ashland High Performance Invite.
Outside of Olentangy Liberty, there were lots of records broken and high level performances. Katy Zang of Teays Valley took the victory in the 3200, running a 9:42. It was the sixth fastest time in the US ever indoors. Zang took out the race flying, running a 4:45 mile, and never looked back.
The boys mile race was one of the biggest races of the day, with Maxwell Friedrich from St. Ignatius going head to head with Brock Jarrett from Lancaster. Brock’s sit and kick strategy did not end up working in his favor like it usually does. Friedrich took the win with a 4:09.93 compared to Jarrett’s 4:10.17. Friedrich got his revenge after finishing second last year to Orange’s Mathew Schroff.
It was an exciting way to kick off the outdoor season. Make sure to follow Patriot Sports Hub on Instagram to get Liberty track updates along with other sports throughout the season.
