Delay, collision don’t slow down McDonald

June 1, 2019 at 12:05a.m.

Columbus

Zach Gray didn’t mind the wait.

The McDonald senior rolled with the thunder en route to a Division III state title in the discus on Friday during the OHSAA State Track and Field Championships.

After finishing as the runner-up in the shot put, Gray was getting prepared for the discus when lighting brought all activities at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium to a halt. Three-and-a-half hours later, Gray took the field once again.

“I got to eat, take my shoes off and just sit there,” Gray said. “I got to refocus once I went back in there.”

McDonald has a sterling history with discus throwers in former champs Mattias Tayala and Christian Smith under throws coach Mary Domitrovich. Gray says the philosophy relies on making “her” throw before making one of “his” throws, meaning he has to clinch a spot in the finals before trying for a bigger distance.

“The winning throw was mine. Her throw was 175,” Gray said of his 179-06. “I just stayed calm and whatever happened, happened. I was just happy to be here.”

Those throws came on the first two attempts. Gray was content with the result of the shot put as well.

“It was a two-foot [personal best]. I couldn’t have asked for a better throw,” Gray said. “There’s no shame in losing to [shot put winner Dominic Perry of Crestview]. He’s an elite thrower and I was expecting big things from him.”

Gray’s new focus since winning a title? More food.

“Raising Cane’s Chicken,” he said. “I’ve driven all the to Kent [from McDonald] to get some a few times.”

McDonald showed an impressive ability to refocus when the girls 4x800 relay team salvaged a fourth-place finish in a surprisingly physical race. Before Anna Guerra received the baton from teammate Sela Jones to start the second leg, she was knocked over by a runner from Fort Recovery as teams were bunched up during their respective baton exchanges.

“I got run over and I just got back up, refocused and tried to catch as many girls as I could. All I know is [the person who hit me] was wearing purple,” Guerra said. “I was scared to [go to the officials], but I saw we were fourth and I thought that was pretty good.”

Janessa Martinelli and Bella Wolford teamed up with Jones and Guerra to secure their place. Fort Recovery finished the race in 10th place.