Boardman’s Klepec, Lipinsky in state meet

By Eric Hamilton

Canfield’s Dustin Brode also earned a state berth in the discus.

AUSTINTOWN — Not often does an athlete go from third string on his team to among the top 16 in the state in just three months. But for Boardman High’s Alex Lipinsky, the improbable happened Wednesday at the Division I regional meet.

The junior beat Solon’s A.J. Hicks for the fourth and final state berth by a mere 1 inch with a throw of 147-4, and will join teammate Evan Klepec at next week’s state meet in Columbus.

“It really hasn’t hit me yet,” said Lipinsky, who began the season third in the pecking order behind Klepec and 2007 state qualifier Corey Linsley. “The official told me before my last throw that I had made it, so I just let it fly.

“I didn’t get that big throw this week, but I figured about a 150 [feet] would make it; it turns out it took a little less than that. Now I have a chance to get off a bigger throw next week.”

Since only two competitors from each school are eligible to compete in each event, Lipinsky began the season not knowing how much ring time he’d get behind the talented duo ahead of him. But Linsley came down with an injury and Lipinsky stepped right in and seized the opportunity.

He started throwing well and qualified out of the Fitch district to the regional with a throw of 161-0.

“I guess it just shows the depth of our team,” he said. “We train really hard and we have a great coach. There is some pressure practicing with two guys that throw really far. But with how we push each other, our success comes. Our football weight lifting schedule really helps too, and I attribute a lot of my success to that.”

Lipinsky and Klepec, who finished second, did their part in making it to state and they are hoping Linsley will follow suit Friday in the shot put. It looks promising, as he has the second-best qualifying throw.

“I hope he makes it; it would be great if all three of us get to go,” said Lipinsky.

Canfield’s Dustin Brode secured his first state berth with a third-place finish and a throw of 153-6. That gave Valley throwers three of the four qualifying spots — with Brush’s Mike Gritz winning the event with a heave of 162-4.

The three discus throwers were the only locals to earn state berths on the first day of competition, which included half the field event finals as well as the 4x800 relays.

Friday’s finals will feature plenty of area state hopefuls after they qualified for the running event finals.

None will be busier than Warren Harding’s DeAver Williamson, who will have the opportunity to qualify for state in four events. He enters the finals of both the 100 and 200 with the second-best preliminary time. He is also a member the 4x100 and 4x200 relays that made the final eight.

“It’s hard to believe that it’s possible [qualifying in four events],” said Williamson. “I think it’s crazy, but possible. It’s just going to take everything I have and everything my teammates have.”

In addition to Harding’s two relays, Joseph West qualified for the finals in the 200.

East’s James Allen is in prime position to make it to Columbus. He will run in the finals of the 100 and 200 after posting the top times in both preliminary events. He will also run on the 4x200 relay that made the finals.

Other boys’ individuals or relays in Friday’s finals are Boardman’s Caleb Matthews (110 and 300 hurdles), the Spartans’ 4x400 relay and Canfield’s Walt Wollett (400).

Only two local girls qualified for the finals. Canfield’s Audra Frimpong has the top time in the 100 hurdles and will also compete in the long jump Friday.

Chaney’s Shatasia Walker secured a spot in the finals in both hurdle events, posting the sixth-best times. While she wasn’t thrilled with her times, she’s looking forward to her opportunities.

“It’s going to be fun and I can’t wait,” said the freshman. “I think I might be able to make it in both. I just need to get my times down and don’t stop.

“I didn’t think I’d get this far. In the summer I missed it by one spot, so I want to make it this time.”