STATE TRACK | Columbiana's Melone wins state title just before rain delay

COLUMBUS

Columbiana senior Nick Melone won a Division III state title in the 100-meter dash at Saturday's meet at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Running out of Lane 7, Melone finished in 11.02 to easily best sophomore Christopher Strup of Defiance Tinora (11.12). Melone is the first Clipper to win a state track title since Jim Ward in 1964.

In other early results, Mineral Ridge senior Kristen Basista placed sixth in the 100 hurdles and United senior Stephen Baker was fourth in the 110 hurdles. LaBrae senior Allorian Horne was fifth in the 100.

Rain hit Columbus at approximately 10:15 a.m., delaying all events after the 4x200 relays. The track was set to open at 10:50, with the 1600 races on tap.