The SPIRE Academy hosted some of Ohio’s top track and field athletes March 6–7 as the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches held its annual Indoor State Championships.
Several area athletes turned in strong performances against elite statewide competition, highlighted by a podium finish from Indian Lake senior Aidan Stinebaugh.
Indian Lake
In the Division III boys triple jump finals, Aidan Stinebaugh placed third in the state with a jump of 42 feet, 8 inches, setting both a personal best and a new Indian Lake indoor school record.
Coaches noted the performance was especially impressive considering Stinebaugh has only been competing in the event for about two months.
“We are incredibly proud of the way Aidan competed. We only introduced Aidan to the triple jump two months ago; for him to perform at this level so quickly is truly outstanding.”
— Coaches Justin & Renee Metzger
Teammate Kade Richardson also represented Indian Lake in the event, finishing 14th in the state with a jump of 36 feet, 3.5 inches. The appearance marked Richardson’s second consecutive trip to the indoor state meet.
“This was Kade’s second consecutive year qualifying for the state meet and that is an awesome accomplishment. It is always good to finish your season at the state meet.”
— Coaches Justin & Renee Metzger
Bellefontaine
Bellefontaine athletes competed in Division II events on Friday.
Senior Hayden Maus turned in a strong showing in the boys’ 3200-meter run, finishing fourth overall with a time of 9:38.86.
On the girls’ side, senior Callie Shumaker advanced to the finals of the 60-meter hurdles after running 9.28 seconds in the prelims, ultimately placing eighth in the state with a time of 9.26.
In the girls’ shot put, senior Kelsie Snapp finished fifth overall with a throw of 37 feet, 5.5 inches, adding another top-five state finish for the Chieftains.
The performances capped a successful indoor season for several area athletes, who are now shifting their focus to the upcoming outdoor track and field season.
