The 6400 relay team of Alexa Jennings, Kelsey Kohls, Kelli Walsh and Lainey Studebaker got things started for Centerville when they clocked a 21:02.35 to beat the previous meet record of 21:03.40, which was set by Alter in 2007. The time also establishes a school record.
“We talked about going for some records this meet, and the race didn’t go perfectly, but we managed to pull it together,” said Jennings, a senior who also was on the first-place 800-meter sprint medley relay and second-place 3200 relay. “Everyone was really reliable. Everyone did their part and worked together for it. … We had the surges when we needed them, and it was a great race.”
Added Walsh, “Setting a meet record in a meet that is so competitive was definitely exciting. I think it means a little bit more when you are going against really good competition.”
Walsh, a freshman, won the 2000 steeplechase in 7:40.18, and Kohls and Studebaker were a part of the 4000 distance medley relay team that won in 12:27.24.
Centerville won six running events and two field events overall.
The Elks boys team finished second, about 12 points behind Mason, but Wayne’s Robert Landers highlighted the area’s individual performances.
The Ohio State University signee for football swept all three throwing events, including setting a school and meet record in the hammer throw, as Wayne finished fourth as a team overall. His mark of 203 feet, 7 inches surpassed the previous meet record of 192-11 and Wayne’s program record of 202-2. Landers also threw a 202-11 on his second attempt.
“Last year, I was going for the school record but I ended up coming up short,” said Landers, who has been competing in the hammer throw since seventh grade. “So, my goal coming into the season was just to get the school record, and anything after that would be a plus. I achieved my goal, so now it’s time to raise the standards.”
It was no surprise for Landers to win multiple events Friday, given he is the reigning Division I indoor and outdoor state champion in shot put, but it was a little shocking how far ahead he was of the competition at such a big meet.
The second-place finisher in the hammer, Centerville’s James Elden, was more than 50 feet behind him.
Landers was visibly disappointed he fell short of 60 feet in the shot put after winning the state meet last June with a 61-4.75; however, his 58-3.75 was still almost 10 feet better than second place. He also won the discus with a 143-0 to beat Pickerington North’s Jaylen Falls (133-8).
“I just felt good today,” Landers said. “Warmups felt good. I woke up feeling pretty good today and had a good day at school. The weather was good – this is the first meet we’ve had in nice weather, not too hot, not too cold. It’s just been a good day overall.”
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