Seven Archbold athletes advanced to the 2008 Division III state track and field championships, Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7.
The boys 4×200-meter relay team was the only Archbold representative to finish in the top eight or better.
Jacob Fidler, Nate Hammersmith, Breon Price, and Garrett Waidelich finished sixth in one minute, 31.78 seconds.
Bluffton won in 1:28.47, a meet record.
The AHS boys were pleased with their performance and can’t wait until next year.
“All credit goes to coach (Lynn) Shrickel,” the Archbold sprinting coach, said Price.
“I’m very impressed with their effort,” said Shrickel. “It was tough to make it out to fi- nals, but the best thing about the boys is they’re all coming back next year. I’m looking forward to next year.”
Fidler, Price, and Waidelich are juniors; Hammersmith a sophomore. The four also are the members of the 4×100 team.
“The 4×100 and 4×200 had an outstanding season,” said John Downey, AHS head track coach. “The 4×200 finished sixth on the podium. I only wish there was more recovery time for the 4×100 to qualify for finals.”
The boys 4×200 semifinals were Friday at 10:40 a.m. and were followed by the boys 4×100 semifinals at 10:55 a.m.
The AHS boys 4×100 finished 10th in the preliminaries and didn’t advance to the finals.
Volkman
Michael Volkman, a junior, ran a personal best of 1:58.28 to place 10th in the 800-meter run.
“I accomplished my goal,” said Volkman. “I wanted to PR (personal record) and have fun. It’s a good experience running at state, and I’m glad I had the opportunity.”
“Michael ‘PRed’ (had a personal record) with a secondfaster time than what he had at regionals,” said Downey. “Last year that time would’ve gotten a place on the podium, but this was a fast year.”
Liberty-Benton’s Seth Butler won in 1:52.54.
Shannon
The only senior going to state was Colin Shannon. His jump of 6 feet, 2 inches in the high jump placed him 14th; the height matched six other jumpers.
Cory Vales of Stewart Federal Hocking won with a jump of 6-10.
“This was a great way to end my high school career,” said Shannon. “I really enjoyed being on the state track. It was really neat that people came down to Columbus to watch me jump.”
“Colin had an okay state meet, but more importantly had a great season getting the outdoor high jump record,” said Downey.
Lantz
Autumn Lantz, a sophomore, had a disappointing trip to state. She failed to qualify for the finals in the 100 or 200.
“Autumn was disappointed in her performance, but had a great year,” said Downey. “Throughout the season she set new school records in the 100 and 200.”
Lantz, Shannon, Volkman, Hammersmith, Fidler, and Waidelich also received academic all-Ohio awards. The award goes to athletes that have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, qualified for the state meet, and was a sophomore, junior, or senior.
“Not only are they good athletes, they’re good students,” Downey said about the academic award recipients.
“I’m real pleased,” said Downey. “Everyone that got down here deserved it.
“There was actually others deserving that didn’t get here. Six out of the seven athletes are underclassmen, so the future looks bright.
“We have good kids coming up, so we’re looking forward to a great season next year.”
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