Cardinal’s Rutkowski makes D-III podium

COLUMBUS » Karalyn Rutkowski left Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on June 3 following Day 1 field events in the Division III state track and field meet, she and the traveling Cardinal faithful all under the same impression.

The Huskies' standout senior made the podium in DIII high jump.

She had a fourth-place medal to show for it on her way off campus.

Unfortunately — although it doesn't diminish in any way making the podium, of course — a bizarre misunderstanding had occurred.

The event was scored, and she and her fellow placers were sent to the podium. When awards were announced, a three-way tie

for fourth and two-way tie for second were stated. It was later discovered, however, there was an error in tabulating misses.

In turn, Rutkowski had actually tied for fifth, clearing 5 feet, 2 inches, not fourth.

In the grand scheme, of course, fifth or fourth is largely inconsequential as opposed to the more important facet of reaching the podium for the first time in her career. Although if that fourth had stood, Rutkowski would have been the first Cardinal girls track and field student-athlete since 1995 to crack the top four at state and third in an individual event all-time.

“This is really special,” Rutkowski said after exiting the podium and before the misunderstanding was clarified. “It's a really special moment, because I'm a senior also. It's a really great way to end out my season and set the standard for future athletes.”

Rutkowski was clean at 5-0 and got 5-2 on her second attempt, which was also solid in clearance.

“Yeah, it was really encouraging,” Rutkowski said. “I felt better after clearing that first height. I got out the nervous jitters of jumping. But yeah, it was good.”

Rutkowski felt like she provided herself an optimal chance at 5-4, which she cleared a week ago to win the D-III Massillon Perry Regional, on her second attempt, but couldn't quite get there and went out at that height. Getting it in Massillon, though, yielded hope she could get it in Columbus.

“(That 5-4) felt really good making that height,” Rutkowski said. “That was my goal height all season, and I was really glad I was able to accomplish that.

“I felt clear in my head, and I just ran, powered up and went over. Everything felt like it was put together.”

An announcement was made deep into D-I prelims for coaches involved, including Cardinal's Greg Cicero, to come back so meet officials could explain the situation. By then, though, presumably and understandably, all parties involved had hit the road.