DIVISION III TRACK Tiger frosh breaks record

South Range's Julie Nemergut won the 3200 and was second in the 1600.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
BERLIN CENTER -- Springfield freshman Nick Panezich set a record in the shot put with a toss of 54 feet, 51/2 inches, at the Division III district track and field meet Saturday at Western Reserve High School.
Waterloo won the boys title with 97 points and East Canton was second with 91.
The girls crown went to East Canton with 144 points and South Range was second with 83. The top four in each event advanced to the regional at Navarre next Wednesday and Friday.
Panezich, who also won the discus Tuesday, said, "My throws were consistent. All six were 51-54 feet.
"Everything is good right now. Thanks to God, He's kept me healthy.
"This was special for me. It felt good getting the record, but I'll have something left for the region and state and plan to up my PR [personal records] in both events."
Sophomore Luke McCluggage of Jackson-Milton won the 1600-meter run in 4 minutes, 38.92 seconds. He finished fourth (2:07.15) in the 800.
He paced himself in the 1600, saying, "I wanted to draft off people, hit my splits and be in shape for the last 400 and hold on for the win."
Derek Garrod, Columbiana's veteran sprinter, won the 100 (11.39) and 200 (22.85).
About the 100, he said, "It felt good, but it wasn't the best I could do. My head wasn't really in it. It was a good race, but I can do better."
David Mealy of Springfield (10:07.13) beat South Range's Dan Nemergut (10:09.24) in the 3200.
"I got out in front and stayed. I knew if I did that I would be all right," said Mealy. "I had some left down the stretch 'cause I knew I would need it somewhere done the line."
Jim Kusiowski of South Range ran 2:01.19 to win the 800. Josh Altomare of Leetonia (2:06.53) was second.
Western Reserve sophomore Emily Johnson placed first in the 200 (27.23) and 400 (61.56).
"The 400 is my best race," said Johnson. "I've been running it since a freshman and have worked hard on it."
Leetonia junior Marci Mancuso leaped 16-51/4 to win the long jump, beating Ashley Currance of East Canton (16-11/2).
"I was fourth last year and I wanted to be the district champ against tough competition," said Mancuso.
"I felt a little uncomfortable about the small board here, but got my steps in and did well. I took the long jump serious this season and that's the difference."
Senior Julie Nemergut of South Range took first in the 3200 (11:59.83) and she was second in the 1600 (5:32.59).
After leading most of the way in the 1600, she was nipped at the tape by Teresa Francis (5:32.48) of Waterloo.
"I never heard her, didn't know she was close and was surprised at the finish because I had plenty left," said Nemergut. "I can't complain. A lot of girls would like to finish 1-2 at the district.
"I had a lot left in the mile and was a little disappointed so I wanted to run a good 3200 and not be discouraged.
"Katrina [Brickner of Lisbon] pushed me. She's a good friend and we help each other," said Nemergut.
Brickner took the lead in the seventh lap, only to relinquish it with about 300 meters remaining in the race.
miller@vindy.com