Stowsentry.com - Stow girls distance crew shines at regionals

Special to Record Publishing Co. Stow-Munroe Falls sophomore Katie Betts leads the pack around the turn during the 800-meter run May 29 at the Division I regional meet at Austintown Fitch. Betts finished second in the 800 with a time of 2:12.91, earning a spot at the Division I state meet.

by Steve Batko

Correspondent

Some decisions had to be made, but make no mistake about it, Stow's 3,200-meter relay team had its focus on the girls' Division I state track meet at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium at Ohio State University June 5-6.

Aaron Morris was excited about the relay's chances, prior to the state meet. Results from states were not available as of press time.

The relay was expected to challenge for a state championship in the event after winning the regional championship at the May 27 to 29 Austintown Fitch regional meet.

"We are hopeful heading into the state championships in all of our events," said Morris, prior to the coveted meet.

After having 10 regional qualifiers, the Lady Bulldogs had three events qualify for states -- senior Abby Koch in the 3,200-meter race, sophomore Katie Betts in the 800-meter run, and the 3,200 relay.

Making up the 3,200 relay was junior Jessica DuHamel, freshman Katee Wensinger, Koch and Betts.

"I think [distance and cross country coach] John Roseman has the tough task of trying to rest the girls for states, and yet still keep them strong for nationals that are coming up," said Morris prior to the state meet.

Stow wasn't challenged at the Fitch regional as they posted a time of 9:18.75. They weren't challenged as Solon ran second (9:24.88). A fairly strong North Royalton cast was fourth.

Last year's 3,200 relay was highly touted and just missed states, placing fifth at regionals (9:20.04) with Koch, DuHamel, and Betts.

"The girls in the relay knew what they had to do -- especially after just missing last year when we figured we would make it," said Morris.

In districts, the relay posted a school and district record clocking of 9:15.34, which was the fastest in Ohio this spring. That is, until the Amherst regional when Rocky River Magnificat posted a blazing district record time of 9:07.20.

This year's high marks by the 3,200 relay enabled Stow to be ranked nationally as high as 10th, and qualified to the National Meet in Greensboro, NC on June 19.

Findlay, Medina, Medina Highland and Reynoldsburg were the other top relays heading into states.

Koch finished second overall in the regional in the 3,200-meter race. Her time was 11:07.54 as the only girl to best Koch was North Royalton star Hannah Neczypor (10:52.86).

Betts was a regional runner-up in the 800 with a clocking of 2:12.91. Only North Canton's Allison Peare (2:12.32) beat Betts at Fitch.

"Having 10 regional qualifiers in nine different events is incredible," said Morris, who has coached at Stow for six years. "That's the most state qualifiers and most events we have had."

Senior Victoria Nolte placed 10th in the discus throw with a superb toss of 109-10 feet and was 13th overall in the shot put (34-5.75).

Stow had a disappointing 10th-place finish by the 1,600 relay (4:03.79). This cast included freshman Krissy Bogucki, freshman Kelly Mook, senior Megan Johnson, and Betts.

"I had some hopes that the 1600 relay would reach the finals, but it was tough at regionals," said Morris, who also thought Johnson had a shot in the 300 hurdles. The senior was 16th overall (48.69).

Placing 11th overall at Fitch was sophomore Marena Toth in the long jump. Toth reached 16-feet-.50.

The surprising 800 relay also qualified for regionals and ran 15th overall (1:50.12). This team was comprised of Toth, Bogucki, freshman Olivia Alexander and Johnson.

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