Centerville rallies to keep district track wins streaks intact

Seemingly out of the running after the first day of the Division I high school district track and field meet, Centerville appeared to face the end of great boys and girls team win streaks.

SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERY

“I emphasized on the team we really have to come back and take the win,” assured multi-talented sophomore Yariel Soto after rallying the Elks to an unlikely boys team title Friday night at Welcome Stadium. “Everyone did their part what they had to do. It’s cool. Everything’s coming together to get ready for summer (track) and state.”

SPRINT TRIPLE: Meadowdale’s Wayne Lawrence Jr. gearing up

Behind Soto’s lead, Centerville edged Miamisburg 118.5-116.5 to win the boys team title. The Elks’ girls also rallied to match that team title, posting a 107.5-75.5 margin over runner-up Fairmont.

It was the first of three postseason weeks with the top four in each event advancing to next week’s D-I regional also at Welcome Stadium.

DON’T FREAK OUT: Springfield’s Scott delivers in final attempt

Soto, an emerging youth decathlete, was outstanding. He won the 400 meters (50.30) and the 200 (22.40) and was second in the 100 to Lebanon senior Jordan Campbell (11.24). Soto also was third in the long jump Wednesday to advance to the regional in all four events.

“I had a game plan and I just did what I needed to do,” he said. “I did what I came to do.”

That clutch comeback enabled Centerville to win its 11th consecutive boys district title and fifth straight girls championship.

Miamisburg had to win the final event – the 4x400 relay – to win the boys team title. Vikings anchor Tyler Johnson burned a 49.20 anchor split and improved two spots to place second. He was Soto’s equal, winning the 300 hurdles (39.51), anchoring the 4x200 relay to first (1:30.80) and placing second in the high jump (6-4) to teammate Jordan Scales (6-6).

“It’s exciting,” said Johnson, son of Miamisburg coach Melvin Johnson. “Our plan was to take a van next week to the regional. Now, we’re going to have to take a bus.”

• Wayne (boys) and Troy (girls) won team titles in the D-I district at Wayne, also on Friday. Wayne overtook runner-up Trotwood-Madison 131-95.5 for the boys championship and Troy out-pointed runner-up Northmont 161-113 among the girls.

• The Dayton D-II and D-III district finals will be held on Saturday at Welcome Stadium. Graham (D-II) and Milton-Union (D-III) also will be the site of Saturday district finals.

FACEBOOK: For more high school sports you should like Marc Pendleton

PHOTO GALLERY

About the Author