Oberlin edges out ‘W,’ Avon girls reign in SWC

The Oberlin softball team gets a 1-0 win over Wellington to advance in the postseason, and the Avon girls track and field rolls to the team title at the Southwestern Conference meet.

The Avon girls track and field team wanted to make a statement at the Southwestern Conference Championship. Mission accomplished. For the first time since moving to the SWC a couple years ago, the Avon girls captured a conference title May 12 at Amherst with a dominant 174 points, 37 more than the hosts.

Berea-Midpark (132) took home the boys title, while the Comets (109) finished second as wel1.

It marks the first time a Morning Journal coverage area team won a SWC title since the Amherst girls did it in 2013.

“It’s a huge step forward,” Avon coach Sam Ulery said. “Last year we came into the conference and were looking up at a couple good programs. I just challenged the girls through the offseason and said we can get there if we work hard. They did an amazing job, and I think it’s going to propel us to amazing things in the future.”

The Eagles had six firstplace finishes, led by Kamryn Sharer winning the 100 hurdles (15.33) and 300 hurdles (46.82). She was won long jump (school-record 17-31/4) and was on the runner-up 4x100.

“I’m pretty happy,” Sharer said. “We were trying to get all the points we can. I’m satisfied with my times and I’m ahead of where I was this time last year. Hopefully we get some more nice weather.”

Sophomore Jules Frombach ran her way to a win in the mile (5:15.55) and placed third in 3,200 (11:59.85), while teammate Claire Robertson won 3,200 (11:35.20). Frombach was the fourth leg of the winning 4x800 (9:32.63).

“In the mile, I felt good and I was just trying to pace off the other people because we were trying to place high so we could hopefully get the conference title,” Frombach said. “In the two-mile, I felt a little worse but I was just trying to get a high place.”

With the Division I district back at Amherst next week, Frombach’s preparation will stay consistent in hopes of qualifying for a second-straight regional berth.

“My preparation stays mostly the same, and I just have to stay focused,” she added.

Sydnie Firment was the other champion for Avon, winning the 800 with a 2:20.95, while teammate Haley Parker was second.

On Avon’s boys side, senior Sam Gerak won shot put (53-101/2) after winning discus May 10 with a PR (160-8). In the shot, Gerak reached the mark on his second throw.

“I didn’t throw as well as I would have liked to, but God is good,” Gerak said. “Still came in first and Nick Rennette came in third. I was trying to reverse too quickly on my throws and got to get back to practice. But it’s a good feeling to win both.”

The Amherst boys, as usual, put forth a strong performance and were highlighted by junior Devin Holmes’ title win in the 100 (11.39), barely edging Westlake’s Terrence Rose (11.40) in a thrilling finish.

It’s the first SWC title of his career.

“I’ve been working hard every week, and it’s gotten me to where I need to be,” the 6-foot-5 Holmes said. “It just shows that hard work pays off and our team in general is doing great. We’ve got good chemistry and a good group of guys on the team.”

Amherst sophomore Taylor Hooks was key to the girls’ runner-up finish, winning the 100 (12.73), 200 (25.51), anchored the winning 4x1 (49.74) and PR’d in the long jump (1683/4) for a fourth place finish. Teammate Alexis Alston was the fourth leg of the winning 4x2 (1:45.08), 4x4 (4:01.95) and won 400 (56.99).

“I’m happy with what I did, and I would probably be happier if my time was lower in the 100,” Hooks said. “In the long jump, I have to work on how I have to takeoff sometimes and make my steps quicker toward the end. I handled all four events well and did what I needed to do.”

Avon Lake senior Victoria Harper stepped into the circle and won discus (1257) after winning the shot put title on Day 1 (40-10).

“I fouled in discus last year, so I’m absolutely thrilled,” Harper said. “I think I’m where I need to be, and it gets more intense from here.”

Notes

• Midview senior Keith Johnson won 200 (22.75) and was the fourth leg of the winning 4x1 (43.71).

• Olmsted Falls senior Mary Piper won long jump (17-4), which marks the second-straight year she’s done it.

• Avon Lake senior Alex Holtz won 800 (1:58.27), while Avon’s Mike Rennette won 110 hurdles (15.37).