YSU track stars compete with best

June 25, 2016 at 12:00a.m.

By charles grove

Two of Youngstown State’s track and field team were competing at the USA Junior Championships in hopes of competing in the Junior World Championships this July in Poland.

For decathlete Isaac Agyemang, that dream is still alive in Clovis, Calif.

Agyemang sits second, just good enough for a spot on Team USA next month, after day one of the decathlon. He finished second in the 100 dash (11.27 seconds), second in the long jump (7.13 meters), first in the shot put (13.56 meters), second in the high jump (6 feet 4.25 inches) and fourth in the 400 dash (54.04 seconds). He’ll be tackling the 110 hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin and 1500 meter run today.

Chad Zallow also was at the competition, finishing second in his heat for the 110 hurdles, qualifying for the final. Zallow pulled a calf muscle about halfway through the final and was officially disqualified, finishing eighth.

“He made it through the first race but [Zallow’s injury] just caught up to him in the final,” YSU head coach Brian Gorby said. “He just couldn’t get it feeling 100 percent. But we’re very proud of him.”

Agyemang, who was seeded fifth in the five-athlete competition, set a personal record in the long jump on day one and says the competition of an event of this caliber brings out the best in him.

“Pressure breeds diamonds,” Agyemang said. “Everyone’s top five in the nation and everyone’s a star here. I stood in front of the mirror and visualized each event today and it helped me focus. I can’t wait for day two.”