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Trotwood-Madison still has some catching up to do to rekindle its role as an annual boys state track and field power.
“We’re trying to build the dynasty back up,” said junior sprinter Jonathan Johnson, who paced the Rams in four events during Wednesday’s Division I district meet at Wayne. “All the way back to grade school and middle school, you always heard stories about how great Trotwood (track) was. With the help of coach (Jerel) Freeman we’ve been striving and building the dynasty back up. It’s a wonderful thing.”
The 4x800-meter relay was the only running final; all other running events were prelims. The top eight in each race advance to Friday’s finals. Remaining field events also will be held on Friday. The top four placers in every event advance to next week’s regional at Dayton.
Johnson blew out a hip in the first meet last year and didn’t return until the regional. That makes this a make-up season for him and he’s delivered. He qualified fifth in the 100 (11.43) and anchored the top-qualifying 4x100 (43.43), 4x200 (1:30.79) and 4x400 (3:30.21) relays.
“For coming back from injury, this is great for me,” said Johnson, also a standout Rams soccer player. “Coach always says set goals for yourself. Every time we reach a goal we set another one and keep on pushing.”
• Bellefontaine sophomore Dezmin Lyburtus won the long jump in a rare triple tie-breaker over Northmont senior Christian Champion. Both soared a best 21-5.50 and both also went 21-4 on their second-best jumps. Lyburtus was declared the winner by his third-best leap of 20-9.50, seven inches farther than Champion’s third best.
“This means a lot,” said Lyburtus, who has hit his season best in three meets. “I knew I was going to make it to regionals, but I just had a good day. There’s a lot of good competition and that always brings out your best.”
He also anchored the Chieftains’ 4x100 relay (third best) and advanced to the finals in the 110 high hurdles (second in 15.22).
• Champion won the pole vault (15-6) and missed three times at 16-1 while trying to surpass Greenville runner-up A.J. Frens’ record of 15-9. A junior, Frens came down hard on an ankle and couldn’t clear another height after 15-0. Champion cleared 16-0 last week.
• Troy’s girls swept all three finals to post a commanding 36-13 lead over Vandalia-Butler and Northmont. The Trojans won the 4x800 relay (9:45.25). Troy junior Dasia Cole won the high jump on fewer misses over Piqua’s Ashley Ho (5-2) and Troy’s Kelsey Walters won the shot put (40-5.75).
Other boys winners were Tippecanoe’s 4x800 relay (8:17.69) and Tipp sophomore Matt Garber in the discus (148-11). Northmont leads Tipp 26-22 in the boys team race.
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