Track athletes explain what it is like to make it to the state tournament

CHILLICOTHE — As this weekend's track and field state tournament loom, excitement for the area track teams is at the highest it has been all season.

To celebrate the accomplishments of these stellar athletes, a member of each state qualifying track team tells the Gazette their stories and what it has meant to them to get the chance to compete at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Adena Warriors

In the past year, Sydney Foglesong has been quite a busy young woman. From making it to the track and field state tournament last year to reaching the state Final Four in volleyball last winter, she has gained valuable experience playing in high-pressure situations.

That is why as this year's state tournament approaches, Foglesong said that she is not letting the stress shake her as she prepares to compete in the shot put and discus throw.

"Those opportunities have given me a chance to experience situations where I have been under a lot of pressure," Foglesong said. "They have helped me learn how to control myself and be confident in my abilities to do what I came there to do. My coaches help me to prepare for these moments and are very keen about getting into the right headspace before a meet or game to perform my very best."

Chillicothe Cavaliers

No matter what year an athlete makes it to state, it should be a celebrated event. However, when it is a freshman like Kiera Archer who will be the Cavaliers' lone representative, there is an added allure to her story.

Making it to state in the 400m dash, Archer said that she would not have reached this point without the unwavering support of her team.

"I feel really accomplished and proud of myself," Archer said. "I didn't even expect to go this far, but all of my teammates and coaches just pushed me so much. I want to represent my team while I am there."

Huntington Huntsmen

One of the most versatile athletes that the Township has had to offer in the past four years, Dalton Haubeil's path to the state tournament has not been one without trials and tribulations.

After dealing with injuries on and off this year, Haubeil made it to state in the long jump and 4x200m relay (alongside Wes Brown, Quenton Puckett, and Seth McCloskey).

"This is everything that I have ever wanted," Haubeil said. "Coach [Jeff] Magill and I have always been close, so it has always been our goal to make it to the state meet. I did not play basketball my senior year so that I could run indoor track and focus on the long jump. I have had a few injuries throughout the season, but it is finally a dream come true to make it to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium."

Paint Valley Bearcats

From being named the SVC Meet medalist, setting a district meet record in the long jump, and winning a regional championship in the same event, Cole Miller could not have scripted this season to go any better than it has been for him.

Now with a chance to leave his mark at this year's state tournament in both the long jump and the 100m dash, Miller said that he is grateful that he can even step on the track in the first place.

"Since having knee surgery last summer, it’s been a lot of work getting back to where I would like to be," Miller said. "I am fortunate to have a lot of great coaches who have helped me and a lot of teammates who have pushed me. I’ve made consistent progress throughout the season and I am grateful for the opportunity to compete at the state track meet."

Piketon Redstreaks

It can be asking for a lot to be your team's lone state participant, but if anyone can do it, it is Alan Austin.

The junior discus thrower has a chance to put Piketon on the map as a track powerhouse but admits that the situation can be a bit stressful.

"It is is a little overwhelming to be the only one," Austin said. "I wish I had some teammates who were coming with me. My teammates just want me to do the best that I can and I told them that I was going to. I cannot guarantee that I am going to be in first place or make the top three, but they are really proud of me for even getting the chance to go."

Southeastern Panthers

Between his memorable performances in the long jump and 110m hurdles, the Panthers could not have asked for a better athlete to represent them than Jacob Lenox.

However, instead of focusing solely on himself, he said that he is looking forward to competing against fellow top-notch SVC opponents.

"It feels good to move on to state," Lenox said. "But I’m more excited that myself, Cole Miller, and Dalton Haubeil, have the chance to go 1-2-3 in the long jump."

Unioto Sherman Tanks

Known as one of the most accomplished distance runners in the area, Corey Schobelock has nothing left to prove as his Unioto career nears its end.

After coming in fourth place in the 3200m run last year, he has a chance to better his position this year as well as place alongside his teammates in the 4x800m relay (alongside Gabe Lynch, Turner Markko, and Caden Larue).

However, no matter how this weekend turns out, Schobelock said that he is at peace.

"I wanna say the obvious answer is to end the weekend with a state title in the 3200m run," Schobelock said. "But honestly, I’ve had a really great time with running at Unioto, so whatever happens this weekend, I will be okay."

Westfall Mustangs

Always pushing herself to higher heights, Peyton Proffitt has set multiple different records this season in the pole vault.

This weekend, she can reach the highest mark of her career when she returns to the state tournament for the second straight year. After coming in eighth place in the event last year, she hopes that this year will lead to an even more memorable performance.

"It would be amazing to set a state record," Proffitt said. "It was sad that I was not able to break the regional record, but it just gives me more drive to do it at state. I know that I am going to do well."

Zane Trace Pioneers

Defying the odds last season by making it to state as a freshman, it was a shock to no one for Marie Souther to make it to back for the second straight year.

In addition to competing in the 800m relay, she will be joined by her 4x800m relay teammates Molly Prochaska, Brooklyn Wade, and Lydia Delong.

"I had made it a goal to go back to state this year," Souther said. "So, I am happy that I have the opportunity. I am also really excited that the 4x800m relay team was able to come this year too."

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Track athletes tell their stories of how they made it to state