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Guerra’s long day ends with two victories
McDonald’s teams win Lew Speece Invitational track meet
By BOB ETTINGER
BERLIN CENTER
Anna Guerra took two completely different approaches in two races at the NEO Lew Speece Invitational at Western Reserve High School on Saturday.
The result, however, was the same as the McDonald junior took home victories to lead the Blue Devils to the team title.
Guerra claimed wins in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs. She won the 1,600 in 5:43.13 and the 3,200 in 11:17.20.
“I had a long day today,” Guerra said. “My coach told me to stay relaxed and do what I have to do to win [the 1,600].
“I stayed relaxed the first two laps, then I kicked it in a little and ran my tempo the last two laps. I wanted to hit certain splits and my goal was 11:30 [in the 3,200].
“My splits for each lap were faster than I expected. I set a goal for my time I kept getting good times each lap and it kept me motivated.”
The Blue Devils took the title with 88 points to better Southeast’s 80.5.
“The middle distance and distance girls did a great job,” McDonald girls coach Mary Domitrovich said. “It started with the 3,200 relay and Anna, the 3,200, had a great race and that set the tone. I think the girls were all feeding off each other.”
Behind wins from Cam Tucker, Zack Gray and 1,600- and 3,200-meter relays, the McDonald boys took the team title with 126 points, easily beating Garrettsville Garfield’s 79 points.
“A lot of it is depth,” McDonald boys coach Lou Domitrovich said. “The depth we have in this school in sports is amazing and it’s across the board.
“Track is no different. We have great senior leadership. They’re great role models. It’s a culture in our community. The kids don’t buy in, they take ownership of it.”
Tucker cleared 6-0 in the high jump and Gray reached 165-10 in the discus. Ethan Domitrovich, Zack Canada, Connor Symbolik and Brody Rupe finished the 3,200-meter relay in 8:36.10 and Ethan Domitrovich, Alex Cintron, Tyler Worrell and Greg Dickson finished the 1,600 relay in 3:35.44.
Naomi Domitrovich claimed the 300-meter hurdles for McDonald in 51.09.
“My start felt pretty good,” Naomi Domitrovich said. “I was trying to make sure my form was good over the hurdles and I didn’t break my stride. I heard my Mom and Dad cheering for me as I came out of the turn and that motivated me to finish strong.”
Bella Wolford was victorious for the Blue Devils in the 800-meter run in 2:26.97.
“I always like to get out a little faster in the first lap than in the second,” Wolford said. “The second lap is always difficult. Once I get through that third 200 meters, I try and finish strong.”
The foursome of Wolford, Naomi Domitrovich, Jessica Stamp and Riley Stamp won the 800-meter relay (1:51.83) while Stamp, Wolford, Matig and Janessa Martinelli won the 1,600-meter relay (4:22.62).
Sela Jones, Guerra, Wolford and Martinelli were winners in the 3,200 relay (10:08.38).
Jermaine Jones of Lordstown laid claim to the 400-meter dash title in 51.68.
“I stayed strong all the way through,” Jones said. “I was trying to use less strategy, think less. If I think too much, it slows me down. My dad was watching me and that also motivated me. He ran track and I have a lot of respect for him with everything he does for me. I want to make him happy with what I do.”
Matthew Henry of Western Reserve beat his brother, Ryan Henry, to win the shot put with a toss of 54 feet 1 inch. Ryan Henry reached 52-9.
Columbiana’s Joseph Bable flew to 22-0.5 to win the long jump.