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East’s McClain jumps to Columbus
By Steve WILAJ
AUSTINTOWN
Terrell McClain remembers it clearly.
Two years ago at a regional competition as a sophomore, the East long jumper recorded a jump of just over 21 feet.
“I came in sixth place and didn’t make it [to state competition],” he said.
Naturally, McClain wanted redemption last year. However, he couldn’t jump at regionals because of a knee injury, leaving that sour feeling of missing state by just two spots to linger.
“I went through a lot of rehab, lifting, stretching and running,” McClain said.
McClain finally got his second chance at the long jump Wednesday at the Division I regional track and field meet at Fitch Falcon Stadium.
He made the most of it.
McClain placed first in the event with a jump of 23 feet, 3.75 inches to clinch his long-desired ticket to state.
“My strength coach helped me a lot to get my legs and my thought muscles stronger to fight through my injury,” McClain said. “I planned for this to happen. It feels great.”
Fitch junior Dylan Latone will also be headed to Columbus. And in historic fashion.
With a third-place finish in the pole vault, Latone is the first-ever Falcon to qualify for state in the event.
“I’m really happy about that,” Latone said. “Me and my coach have been working hard. I knew I had it in me and I’m glad it came out today.
He finished with a high vault of 14 feet, 9 inches even though he admitted he wasn’t feeling quite right in warmups.
“But then I kept running down and [my repetitions] started to feel good,” Latone said. “I just kept going and was having fun. I started getting a little tired there at the end, but I still got third, so we’re happy.”
Canfield’s Andrew Hallof is also pleased with Wednesday’s results.
The sophomore qualified for state competition in the discus with a throw of 168 feet. That was good enough to earn him second place.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Hallof said. “Especially as a sophomore, knowing I have two more years to grow. I’m really just blessed to have this opportunity at as young of an age as I am.”
Hallof — a three-sport athlete of also football and basketball — added everything simply fell into place.
“It’s really all a mental thing — clear your head, throw far and don’t foul,” he said. “That’s our team motto, so I brought that in there and kind of just did what I had to do.”
The Division I regional competition concludes Friday beginning at 5 p.m. at Fitch.