Girls track enjoy successful state meet
The incredible success this spring for the Tippecanoe sports program was capped off with quite a weekend at the state track meet in Columbus, held a couple of weeks ago at The Ohio State University. To say the Red Devils left their mark would be an understatement.
Not only did the girls squad have some podium finishes, but the boys team finished three points out of bringing home a state championship as a team, finishing fourth overall.
Coach Jason Clendening sat down and looked back at the success that Tipp enjoyed with many of their athletes finishing near the top of their respective events.
“It went fairly well and the kids came out and did a good job competing against the best of the best,” Clendening said. “The girls had three podium finishes, and the boys had six, so we can’t ask for much more than that.” A podium finish equals a top eight finish in Ohio.
For the girls, Megan Strong competed in four events, including part of a successful relay team that ran at state. She also nearly walked away with gold in the long jump, finishing second in Ohio.
“The first day was rough for her in her sprint races, but she did an amazing job bouncing back on day two,” Clendening said. “We were the ninth team coming in on the 4x2 and ended up fourth overall anchored by her.” The 4x2 team consisted of Sawyer Ridge, Kenzie Curry, Maryn Perrault and Strong. All four return next season.
“We knew coming into the finals we did not run our best race in prelims, but we told them we know what we can run and they did a great job ending up in fourth.”
“In the long jump, Megan had a rough week at regionals, barely making the finals. She came out this weekend and jumped 18’2”, which got her second place.”
Perrault also placed for the girls in the 800.
“She is a true competitor, and grit and is so coachable,” Clendening said. “She was also leadoff of the 4x8, the 4x2, and on the podium in the 800. To be that successful as a freshman on the big stage shows a lot about her, both mentally and athletically.”
The 4x8 team placed eighth after running a bit slower than they did at regionals, but again, all four runners return in 2027 for another shot at state. Those runners were Perrault, Isabelle Mahl, Lucia Ranly and Blakely Barton.
“They were really close to breaking the school record in that race, so we are excited to see that record come down next season.”
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