1600m Pre-Track Season Rankings: Girls

(Disclaimer: These rankings are based on our projection of each individual’s main event.)

1. Brooke Chapman - This may be our easiest ranking to make. The Olentangy Orange junior won the state title in dramatic fashion last track season and is poised to defend her title following an outstanding cross country season. The newly minted All-American holds a personal best of 4:55.08, which should only continue to improve throughout her high school career.

   
   

2. Marisa Heil - A recent Miami University commit, Heil is ranked in a competitive second place. The Lancaster senior holds a personal best of 4:57.88 and finished 3rd at last year’s outdoor state meet. She will aim to challenge Chapman for the state title, potentially securing a 1-2 finish for Central Ohio in the 1600.

   
   

3. Katy Zang - The Teays Valley junior was the standout Central Ohio runner during cross country season and boasts a personal best of 5:02.91 from last track season. Unfortunately, a significant injury prevented Zang from finishing at the cross-country regional meet. While her timeline for recovery remains uncertain, her talent is undeniable, and with sufficient recovery, she could still contend for the state title.

   
   

4. Aubrey Smith - Although her cross country season may not have gone as planned, Smith remains a stellar 1600m runner. The Grove City junior has a personal best of 5:06.14, achieved at the district meet last year, and is well-positioned for a strong comeback this track season.

   
   

5. Natalie Fouts - The Dublin Jerome junior holds a personal best of 5:06.66, ran at Mason’s Bizzarri Mile last season. She’ll compete alongside a very strong Central Ohio group, and will more than likely be vying for an All-Ohio award during track season.

   
   

6. Addison Caudill - Caudill joins the runners above her on this list with a sub-5:10 personal best. The Licking Heights junior placed 7th at last year’s regional meet and will be aiming for her first appearance at the state meet this track season.

   
   

7. Morgan Hamilton - The junior from Upper Arlington narrowly misses the sub-5:10 mark with a personal best of 5:10.02 from last year’s district meet. Hamilton will look to improve and push for a state qualifying spot this season.

   
   

8. Sophia Poling - Poling, a senior at Granville, holds a personal best of 5:10.60. She placed 6th at the regional meet last season and will strive to secure a state qualifying spot during the upcoming track season. 

   
   

9. Harper Allen - Allen, like Morgan Hamilton and Sophia Poling, has a personal best of 5:10. The junior was consistently the #2 runner for the state champion Gales cross country team and will look to continue making an impact for her team this track season.

   
   

10. Lydia Price - Another junior rounds out our rankings. Marion Harding’s top runner, Price, achieved a personal best of 5:10.84 at last year's district meet. She will aim to build on her impressive cross-country season as she takes on the track season.