GIRLS STATE TRACK Alter relay stays in step, finishing second

Alter’s odd/even COLUMBUS — years of winning the state Division II 3,200-meter relay and placing second remains intact.

“Yes it is; sadly,” said super senior Olivia Albers at Friday’s high school state track and field meet.

Sophomore Alex Groene made up most of a 30-meter deficit in the Knights’ third leg, but Albers couldn’t close on Akron St. Vincent St. Mary anchor Tessa Weigand. The Knights were second (9:25.42).

Alter has been the state runner-up in this relay in 2008, ’10 and ’12. The Knights won the state race in 2007, ’09 and ’11.

Austin Borton and Kyly Borton were other relay members. Albers and Austin Borton helped the Knights qualify their 1,600 relay for today’s finals. Albers adds the 1,600 today and Borton the 800.

Albers will run track and cross country at the University of Dayton.

The meet concludes today at Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

• Versailles had almost as good a start as hoped for by placing second in the D-III 3,200 relay.

The Tigers (9:28.13), were anchored by OSU-bound senior Tammy Berger. Last year Versailles was second to Steubenville Catholic Central in the DIII team standings, 41-37.

“At Versailles it’s all about team,” said Berger, who made up nearly a 30-meter deficit on her anchor leg before fading.

“Every point counts, and for a second place, that’s eight valuable points.”

Joining Berger on the relay were Chloe Warvel, Natalie Grillot and Hannah Wenig. Minster was fifth (9:41.06). The 3,200 relay was the only running final in all three divisions.

• Chaminade Julienne’s shot at a D-II team title took a hit when its 400 relay dropped a baton and finished last in its heat.

That was the same fate its 800 relay endured at the regional.

“I was really worried about that,” said senior Cierra Brown.

Instead, Brown will carry the Eagles’ best individual hopes after sweeping her 100 (14.54) and 300 (44.32) hurdles heats. Camille Dickens also won her 100 hurdles heat (14.75).

• In D-I, Lebanon was sixth in the 3,200 relay. Also, Meadowdale’s Oksana Lawrence (400) and Troy’s 800 relay qualified for the finals.

• Leah Dunivan pulled off a rare double. The Miami East junior was fourth in the D-III high jump (5-4) and sixth in the shot put (38-3).

• Fairlawn’s Olivia Cummings was third in the D-III shot put (39-11 ½).