Comet Boys and Girls Track Captures Division I District Titles

In the fast lane all season long, Solons boys' and girls' track and field teams are primed to kick it into overdrive during the upcoming Division I regional meet at Austintown-Fitch High School.

The Comet boys were clearly the class of the Ravenna district meet, finishing with a team total of 169.5 points to easily outdistance runner-up Kenston (99). The Solon girls were involved in a competitive race for the top spot but won the district with 107 points, edging second-place Shaker Heights (100).

"We had some pretty high expectations and we met those expectations," said Comet boys' coach Dan Iwan, whose team qualified in 15 of 17 events. "We've put ourselves in position for the regionals, now we just have to go out there and do it."

Solon was dominant on Friday, taking advantage of long-overdue ideal weather conditions at Ravenna. A.J. Hicks, already the winner of the shot put with a new school record, added a district discus title with a throw of 188 feet while teammate Reggie Jagers took the fourth and final qualifying spot with a toss of 141-9.

Hurdler Rod Jackson won the 110-meter hurdles (14.75) and the 300-meter hurdles (39.72) while sprint standout Khoury Crenshaw won the 100 meters (11.19) and was third in the 200 meters (23.15), a race won by the Comets' Matt Thompson (22.12).

Other Solon first places came from the 4x200-meter relay of Rod jackson, Jeremy Nelson, Crenshaw and Thompson (1:28.47), the 4x100-meter relay of Thompson, Nelson, Crenshaw and Darian Hicks (42.48) and the 4x400-meter relay of Rod Jackson, Nelson, Christian Jackson and Thompson (3:22.99).

The Comets picked up second-place performances from Darian Hicks in the long jump (21-4.5), Karl Pierce in the pole vault (14-0), Kegan King in the 300-meter hurdles (40.48) and Paul Arters in the 800 meters (1:58.74). Kevin Blank made the cut in the 1600 meters with a third-place finish (4:30.22). In action earlier in the week, Brett Goudy was fourth in the high jump (6-2) and the 4x800-meter relay of Zack Zimmers, Max Haiss, Eric Hansen and Paul Arters was second (8:01.20).

The talent level at the regional meet will be something to behold. Perennial state power Glenville is considered the favorite while Canton McKinley and Massillon Washington will also contend for a team title.

"It's just going to be fun to watch," said Iwan, whose team was fourth at Fitch last year. "You have great athletes competing at the highest level."

Solon has been the team to beat all season, but now the Comets will have some fast company at the regionals.

"Every one of our guys believes they are going to get better this week," said Iwan. "We know we're going to have to up our level because teams with really good individuals always score well at this meet. This team is mentally tough and resilient. They have  a way of rebounding."

Solon's girls have their share of talented athletes in the field and on the track. The Lady Comets will compete in 11 events at Fitch and have a good shot at advancing several competitors to Columbus.

Solon winners at Ravenna were Elizabeth Obi in the high jump (5-0), Therese Haiss in the 1600 meters (5:06.99) and the 4x200-meter relay of Tinisee Kandakai, London McNair, Jelvon Butler and Paige Yaeger (1:42.12).

Lady Comets taking second place finishes included Butler in the 100 meters (12.75), Yaeger in the 300-meter hurdles (44.49), and the 4x100-meter relay of Kristen Baldwin, McNair, Natalie Ockunzzi and Butler (49.50).

Haiss advanced in the 800 meters with a third-place finish (2:18.03) and the 4x400-meter relay of Melissa Yasnowski, McNair, Haiss and Yaeger (3:57.78) was also third. Kandakai advanced with a third in the 200 meters (26.28) and a fourth in the high jump (5-0) and teammate Kelsey Aamoth was fourth in the 3200 meters (11:41.72) to earn a trip to Fitch.

Solon will begin regional competition Wednesday afternoon with the event wrapping up Friday.

 Next stop, Columbus.