Fitch track team seeks county title

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Neighbors | Submitted.After finishing third in the state indoor meet, this winter the Fitch boys track team is picking up where it left off. The Falcons are undefeated so far this spring, including a team title at the F.E. Cope Invitational in Salem. Fitch will compete in the Mahoning County meet today.

After finishing third in Division I at last month’s state indoor meet, the Fitch boys track team isn’t letting up.

Already 32-0 this season, the Falcons will look to continue its domination as it seeks a county championship today during the Mahoning County meet at Falcon Stadium.

The team, coached by Rich Kempe. has shown great balance so far, as it boasts several of the state’s top performers in both the running and field events.

Leading the squad is senior Jay Jakovina, who is the state’s top high jumper, with a jump of 6-6. He is also ranked No. 24 in Ohio in the long jump with a leap of 21-3 Ω. Senior Daniel Rivera is the third-ranked 300-meter hurdler in the state with a time of 39.64.

Junior Billy Price is now the school record holder in the discus and is also ranked No. 2 in the state with a throw of 184-6. He is also ranked 11th in the state in the shot put with a measurement of 51-8 Ω.

Junior Rob Venters is currently the eighth-fastest boy in the state in the 200 with a time of 22.4. Sophomore Nathan Bowlen has covered the 100-meter dash in 10.74 seconds, which has earned him the third-fastest time in the state. Sophomore Sam Ortz currently owns a time of 14.58 in the 110-meter high hurdles, which is currently the state’s seventh best.

Other performers who have contributed to the team’s overall points this season are seniors Alex While and Josh Reid (distance), Dave Anzelmo (throws). Tarise Wolfe (sprints) and Andrew Dunn (pole vault).

Juniors Ty’Reese Anderson (sprints), Kyle Gumble and Zach Pasquale (hurdles) and Don Koehler (mid-distance) have added important points.

Leading the underclassmen are sophomores Gary Gibson (sprints), Bryce Baker (distance) and Zak Patrick (mid-distance). Freshman contributing are Nathan Shively and Garen Gibson (mid-distance), Joe Harrington (sprints) and Frank Geidner (jumps).

This is Fitch’s first season competing in the All-American Conference and the Falcons will host the AAC Championship Meet at Falcon Stadium May 8.

Fitch will also host this year’s Division I district meet May 18 and the regional championships May 25.