Stonestreet victory is happy family affair

The McDonald senior won the 800 meter state title.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
DAYTON -- Kevin Stonestreet was given an extra boost by an underlying force: Three more Stonestreets.
Running on the final day of his track career at McDonald High, Stonestreet, with a family name best known for its talented runners, was submerged in brotherly love.
His three brothers -- Ed, Dave and Matt -- were at Welcome Stadium on Saturday, watching him win the state championship in the 800 meters with a time of 1 minute, 54.35 seconds.
"Coming down here, I had it in the back of my mind that I really needed to win," said Stonestreet, who finished fourth last season in 1:59.18. "But I honestly didn't feel I could do it.
"I knew there would be five guys [with that potential], so I knew it was going to be hard."
Family business
Ed Stonestreet was the state champion in the event in 1999, then establishing the state record in 1:54.05. That record, however, was taken away from the family in 2001 when Amanda-Clearcreek's Todd Helber ran 1:53.76.
Kevin Stonestreet came out Saturday, with the support of his brothers, trying to get the record back. Before the race, he met with them in an emotional moment that nearly brought him to tears.
"It gets you going when you have all your brothers screaming like crazy," Stonestreet said. "It's the best feeling in the world."
Stonestreet held off Maplewood senior John Palmer down the stretch, capping yet another duel between the friends.
Palmer, who finished in 1:55.13, recognized the challenge that Stonestreet faced.
"He had some big shoes to fill with [his brothers], but he filled those shoes awesome," Palmer said. "That really pushed him a lot today."
Stonestreet added, "I wouldn't have come close if he [Palmer] wasn't there with me all year. I knew he was going to be right there again. He's a phenomenal runner."
Driven
After his fourth-place finish in the 800 last season, Stonestreet was driven to improve his standing as a senior. He kept his word, winning his first individual state title.
"I just felt great today," Stonestreet said. "In the bullpen, I was thinking, 'Man, I feel good. It's going to be a good race.' "
Stonestreet is undecided on a college, but he wants to continue his running career while pursuing a major in aerospace engineering or education.
richesson@vindy.com