Next stop, state: Stewart captures regional crown

Girard junior Cachet Murray won the 100, 200 and long jump.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
RAVENNA -- Derrick Stewart, an Ursuline High junior, was disappointed after placing fifth in the 110 high hurdles during the Division II regional track and field meet Friday at Ravenna High stadium.
So he went out and won the 300 intermediate hurdles in 39.04 seconds to qualify for next week's state meet at Ohio State University.
Stewart said he has been bothered by a hamstring injury and even though it hurt him to run the hurdles, he did it for the team.
"I was third at state in the [300] last year and I want to go back there and do better this year," said Stewart.
Warrensville Heights won the regional crown with 58 points. Southeast was second with 23.
Garfield Heights Trinity scored 50 points to win the girls title. Mogadore Field was second with 38.
William Harner of Southeast won the shot put (55-1), which was a school record and a career-best effort for him.
Having never been to state, Harner said, "My goal was to come here and win this. Everything on the 55 throw was just right. Now I'll have to throw that or better to place at state."
Justin Rush of Lakeview qualified for state in both hurdles. He was second in the 110 (14.98) and third in the 300 (40.13).
Heading for state for the first time, Rush said, "I worked hard, especially during the offseason, for this. I didn't expect to get there in both hurdles, but it was good day."
Cachet Murray, a junior at Girard and a two-time state champion in the 100 and 200 meters, is going back to Columbus in those events and the long jump.
She said the most important part of the 100, which she won in 12.4 seconds at Ravenna, was her start.
"I had a great start, and I got out and ran my race," said Murray. "My coach [Walt Brame] told me that I am a state champ and they [other runners] had to beat me."
Murray also won the 200 (25.67) and long jump (18-1 1/4).
Latalia Jones of Chaney placed second in the 100 (12.88) and 200 (26.35).
Brittny Humphrey of Liberty took first place in the 300 hurdles in 45.82 seconds.
Salem's Deirdre Clary (11:42.6) passed Streetsboro's Stacie Stoddard (11:44.38) with about 200 meters remaining to win the 3200.
About the finish, Clary said, "It was adrenaline. You know that nothing's stopping you, so why not? However the race unfolds, you just have to go with it."
The Quakers' Lizzie Jesko, Caroline Farina, Ashley Shea and Charity Montford won the 4x200 relay in 1:46.08, edging Liberty (1:46.11).
"We worked hard all year for this. It's overwhelming and exciting," said Jesko. "No words can say how pumped up we were. We really wanted it."