The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Amherst’s Hill takes third at state meet
Bay boys place fourth, Columbia’s Pettegrew claims All-Ohio status
The OHSAA state cross country meet was another opportunity for athletes to put their best foot forward in the biggest meet of the year Nov. 10 at National Trail Raceway.
Division I
In his final race of his high school career, Amherst senior Josh Hill gave every ounce he had, placing third (15:47.5) for All-Ohio honors.
Middletown’s Conant Smith won the race (15:43.4) and Twinsburg’s Ryan Adkins was second (15:46.1).
Hill did edge Howland’s Vincent Mauri, who took fourth (15:57.8), after Mauri topped Hill at the regional meet.
He ran a 5:04.6 average mile.
“I’m happy with it,” Hill said. “I tried to pull away for second place, but then my legs and arms went numb. I just accepted I was going to get third and cruised my way to the finish line. I’m satisfied with third.”
Hill is a three-time state qualifier and his career PR is a 15:34.6. He had injuries and obstacles throughout the season to overcome and his cross country career will always be cherished by head coach Rob Glatz.
“He ran a very smart race and gave it all he had,” Glatz said. “He emptied his tank, and third place is incredible. I’m so proud of all the obstacles he’s overcome. Had a lower leg issue all of August, mild concussion and dealt with a staph infection during the championship season. Bounced back from all those things. It’s been a pleasure coaching him and seeing him develop throughout the years. It’s truly an honor.”
Hill will gear up to compete for indoor and outdoor track and field.
“I’m not going to compete in the national meets, I’m just going to rest and try to get the best training I can for track,” he added. “Getting third is really special because of all I’ve worked through that I can end up getting third place at the state meet. It’s a good day.
Olmsted Falls senior Joe Backus placed 75th (17:04.6) in his first state meet.
“It was slippery, but I felt pretty good most of the race,” he said. “It was pretty cool being in this atmosphere with all this high competition was awesome. Coming to my first state meet and seeing the atmosphere was nice. My year went pretty great. My PR was a 16:33 and I reached my one goal getting to state.”
Division II
The Bay boys team finished a strong fourth place (147). Woodridge won the state title (109), followed by St. Vincent St. Mary (118) and Shelby (132).
The Rockets’ No. 1 runner was senior Ivan Slyepkan taking 14th for an AllOhio finish (16:47.1).
Slyepkan bounced back after an injury-riddled junior season dealing with a torn hamstring. He graduates from Bay after standing on the podium.
“I sort of executed,” he said. “It didn’t really go according to plan, but it is what it is. I threw up half of my stomach after the race, but I can’t make excuses. My dream finally came true to getting All-Ohio. I’ve been wanting this for a while. I wanted it last year but my injury (torn hamstring) prevented me. I’m happy with this season. Top four is great, and we’ve worked very hard. I can’t believe this is my final race. I don’t know what to do now. No high school cross country after this, but it’s been the best four years of my life.”
Khaled Hamil placed 23rd (17:01.4) and Jude Ault was 27th (17:10.2).
Bay coach Steve Babson was proud of his group.
“I was very pleased,” he said. “Through four guys we were close to the front. This was our best race of the year, too.”
Vermilion sophomore Luke See placed 95th (17:51.8) in his first state appearance.
“I didn’t expect everyone to be bunched together and have no room to pass anyone,” See said. “I thought there would be some room, but there wasn’t. I loved this experience down here so much. It was a great experience, and I want to try to come down here next year.”
Rocky River senior Jack McDonough placed 105th (17:56.5).
Division III
Columbia junior Matt Pettegrew made program history becoming its first All-Ohio athlete, placing 14th (16:59.1).
Pettegrew was also second in the Youngstown Boardman Regional meet.
“I’m excited about finishing in the top 25,” Pettegrew said. “The footing was the toughest part of the race. It was pretty muddy and wet in some sections. Getting All-Ohio means a lot to me. It’s cool to be the first one from my school.”
Columbia coach Adam Bailey thinks it could be a huge stepping stone for Pettegrew moving forward.
“He did a good job,” Bailey said. “At this point, time didn’t matter as much as place. He was in a good place. It’s really, really cool.”