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Frimpong wins three MAC titles
Audra Frimpong of Canfield has won an unprecedented 12 MAC titles.
SALEM — When you have as much natural athletic ability that Canfield High track standout Audra Frimpong has, even when you mess up, it doesn’t matter.
The defending Division I state champion in the long jump made a rare mistake Friday while competing in the MAC championships at Reilly Stadium. While starting down the runway for one of her jumps, he got off on the wrong foot — literally.
When she hit the board, she ended up jumping off the wrong foot. But while it did feel a little awkward, the result wasn’t too bad — a meet record of 17 feet, 4 inches.
“I started running off the wrong foot,” said Frimpong. “It definitely felt weird, but I guess it turned out OK.”
The senior’s performance was anything but OK. Frimpong won the long jump, the 200 and the 100 hurdles. She was also a member of the Cards’ second-place 4x400 relay squad. Her time of 25.48 broke her own meet record in the 200.
The three individual MAC titles gives Frimpong an unprecedented 12 titles in her illustrious high school career.
“Really, I had no idea it was that many,” she said. “I’m kind of surprised by that. The years really have gone by so fast. When you’re a freshman, people tell you they will, but it’s true. It’s come so quickly.”
Frimpong did not run the 100 on Friday, an event that she already holds the MAC record in. She decided to take on the 100 hurdles for a change and is hoping that her success in that event will continue at next week’s district meet.
“Toward the end of the season, I just wanted to try something new,” he explained. “I’m kind of liking the hurdles and next week I’ll probably do the hurdles and the long jump.”
Frimpong is ready to start her quest to repeat as the state champion in the long jump, but admits that being on top isn’t the easiest place to be and it has its downside.
“I definitely feel the pressure and know I’m a target for other people,” said the University of Alabama recruit. “It’s really an uneasy feeling, being one of the best. When I was younger and looking up to the seniors, I thought it must be great for them to be great. But it’s actually kind of nerve racking.”
With only three high school meets left in her career, she hopes to create some good final memories, but already has some favorite reflections.
“Winning state last year is definitely my favorite memory,” she said. “I wanted it so badly after finishing fourth twice, so it was great to win. And it was so great to have my teammates and family there to support me. Really, the whole community was behind me.”