Clemson's 153-4 is a blockbuster

Leetonia sophomore Marci Mancuso finished second in the long jump with a jump of 16-111/2.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
NAVARRE -- For most of the season, Christen Clemson was tweaking.
Now she's peaking.
The Maplewood senior shattered the regional and state record in the discus with a throw of 153-4 at Friday's Division III regional track and field meet at Fairless High School.
Warren JFK junior Michelle Rossio finished second in the discus with a school-record 142-1. Her previous best was 132-5.
"I'm excited, I'm really happy and I have a huge adrenaline rush," said Clemson, the defending state discus champion. "I threw well in practice yesterday and on the bus ride here I was gnawing on the seat wanting to get started."
Caught second wind
The previous state record was 150-8. Clemson's previous best was 142-7. Still, she had no idea the throw was that good.
"I have no concept of distance," Clemson said with a laugh. "But it felt really good and when I saw it catch a second wind, I knew it was good."
Clemson has spent most of the year trying to improve her form before state.
"There are no pointless meets," she said. "There's always something you can work on, even if it's just conquering nerves."
McDonald senior Jenn Wenhold won the 3200-meter run, finishing ahead of Lisbon senior Katrina Brickner. Wenhold was the only other area regional champion.
"I wasn't feeling too good before the race," Wenhold said. "I was kind of nervous. But the last 800 I thought I could win it. I was just trying to run my PR [personal record] today."
She did. Wenhold ran 11:34.71. Her previous best was 11:42. "I feel great," Wenhold said. "I'm just trying to keep a positive attitude."
Leetonia sophomore Marci Mancuso finished second in the long jump with a jump of 16-111/2. The top four in each event advance to next weekend's state meet at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.
Her best
"I just wanted to do my best [jump]," Mancuso said. "If that wasn't good enough, oh well. But I'm really happy to get to state."
Mancuso's previous best jump was 16-9. She wants to jump over 17. Since she won't have to worry about any running events, she has a good chance.
"It'll be a lot easier," Mancuso said. "My legs won't be as tired."
Columbiana junior Kristen Wilks advanced in the 100 and 200. South Range senior Julie Nemergut finished second in the 1600.
scalzo@vindy.com