Clemson 'cool' about chances

By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
Christen Clemson thought about the question for a moment, then broke into a smile as big as the braid down her back.
"The coolest thing about state? Knowing that you are one of the best no matter what happens," she said. "That's the coolest thing."
Clemson, the reigning Division III state discus champion, broke the state discus record at last week's regional. The way she's throwing, she has a good chance to repeat.
"I think about it, yes, but am I nervous? Yes," she said. "But it's exciting not having to chase anyone. Being chased is kind of fun."
Remembering
Her favorite state tournament memory was from two years ago when Maplewood's boys team was trying to beat Findlay Liberty-Benton for the team title.
"A whole group of us from Maplewood was cheering for this green team to beat Liberty-Benton in the 4x800-meter relay," she said. "I still don't know who that green team was."
Clemson's freshman teammate, Jen Grayson, made it to state in the 100-meter hurdles and the high jump.
Maplewood's boys team did even better.
The Rockets, who tied Liberty-Benton for the state title two years ago, are sending six boys to state. Senior Dave Pykare will compete in four events, the 800, the 1600, the 4x400 relay and the 4x800 relay.
McDonald, which won last fall's state cross country title, is also sending six boys, led by Kevin Stonestreet and Jason Corman, who will both run the 800 and 4x800 relay.
Western Reserve senior Rick Barbone spent last weekend celebrating his regional shot put title at the Hot Rod Supernationals.
"Having fun in my TransAm," he said.
This is his first trip to state -- "before this, I always choked," he said -- and said he's hoping to get in the top three.
Barbone's teammate, junior Anna Marie Ricciardi, could do better than that. She's closing in on 5-7 in the high jump -- which could be good enough to win.
Sprinting favorites
Columbiana is sending a pair of sprinters, junior Kristen Wilks and senior Derek Garrod. They'll both run the 100 and 200. Garrod plans to win them both.
"I'm pretty confident," Garrod said. "I might get a little nervous later in the week, but I'm on a mission. I can't get nervous. I want to get to the top of that podium."
Springfield freshman Nick Panezich should fare well in the discus.
Lisbon's 4x100 relay of Todd Ramsey, Kevin West, Matt Feaster and Logan Pozenel also have high hopes.
"We're going down there to win it," Pozenel said.
XWednesday: Division I preview.