Clemente goes from golf to track state champion

Colin Clemente was part of Warren JFK's winning 4x200-meter relay.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
COLUMBUS -- Warren John F. Kennedy High senior Colin Clemente started his career with a state golf title and finished it with a state track title.
Not a bad career.
"It feels good to go out like this," he said.
Clemente joined seniors Shane Golden and Anthony Ambeliotis and sophomore Tony Elzy, as the Eagles set a state record in the 4x200-meter relay at Saturday's Division III state meet at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
It was a state record because this is the first year for the boys 4x200 relay.
"We really focused on peaking at the right time," said Clemente, who won team golf titles in 2000 and 2001. "We didn't want to peak too early. A lot of teams do that. We peaked perfectly.
"It's the best way to end the season."
Clemente's three state titles tied him with his coach, Tim McNeil, who won a football title in 1991 and track titles in the 300 hurdles and the 4x100 relay in 1992. This was Clemente's first season running track and he was also a member of the Eagles' basketball team, which lost in the district final to LaBrae.
Two runner-up spots
The Eagles also finished second in the 4x100 relay and Golden finished second in the 200 for the second straight season, as JFK placed third with 26 points behind Dayton Jefferson Township (30) and Defiance Tinora (28).
"I'm proud I got this far," said Golden. "I already got my one gold medal [earlier in the day] and that was sweeter than an individual title. I love these guys and I'm glad we got one of them."
Golden was visibly tired by the time he finished the 200 -- his third event of the day -- and drank three cups of water immediately after the race.
"You know what? I knew I would be tired, but that just means I'm running hard," he said. "I worked hard today. It was a good day."
Golden, a member of the Eagles' state semifinalist football team, will play football and run track at Otterbein College next year.
"I can't wait to get there," he said.