Thursday, May 30, 2013
By Ryan Buck
AUSTINTOWN
Another week on their home turf brought more success for the Austintown Fitch track and field team.
With the Division I Northeast Ohio Regional meet once again held at Fitch Falcon Stadium, three Falcon athletes earned spots in next week’s state track and field finals on The Ohio State University campus.
Billy Price’s discus throw of 187 feet, 11 inches sent the Fitch senior to the top of the medal stand.
After a second place finish in last year’s Regional finals and seventh place finish at the state meet, Price had some extra incentive this time around despite stiff competition from the likes of Marlington’s Anthony Wilks.
“I was really nervous for today,” said Price, an Ohio State football signee who will report to campus June 10. “These guys came out of nowhere and it all depends on who’s going to show up on that day.
“For the first throw, you always want to make sure you’re in the finals and then once you get into the finals, the door’s open and just go get it. My first throw was a safe throw, 174 (feet), to get into the finals and as it progressively went on, my next two throws were a little off. I had to change a few things. Once finals came, with those additional three throws I got that fixed and let it fly a little bit.”
Price will compete in Friday’s shot put event as well, hoping to cap off a celebrated high school career with another victory in his last meet at home.
“It’s anxiousness,” he said. “I’m ready for that next step, but you’ve got to savor the moment as it is now and don’t take anything for granted. It’s go time until that final throw.
“The state (meet) is phenomenal. I’ve been down there the past three years and it’s a phenomenal weekend.”
Two of Price’s teammates will join him at the state meet field events.
Fitch juniors Gabby Figueroa and Tradaiza Merchant placed second and third, respectively in the girls shot put competition.
Friendly competition forged in the offseason and then enriched during the regular track season has led Figueroa and Merchant to this point.
“Shot put isn’t my favorite event, but we try and compete as friendly as possible just because it’s nice having somebody to compete with right in front of you,” said Figueroa, who posted a throw of 40-1. “If you can’t see your competition, sometimes I think you get kind of lazy and we don’t allow that to happen.”
Merchant, whose final throw hit 39-6, was quick to respond.
“We keep each other on our toes,” she said. “Practices are calm. We usually don’t compete at the meets until we get to these kinds of meets where it’s individual. We’re usually working together. We’ve got to get points for the team.”
Just as they’ve entered the Division I district and now regional meets in familiar territory with a sense of calm, having each other in Columbus will calm the nerves and make for a memorable journey.
Figueroa and Merchant will compete again Friday evening in the discus throws. The Fitch boys are currently in second place in the team standings while the girls have a narrow lead.