3200m Pre-Track Season Rankings: Boys

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

1. Tate Ruthers - The recent Ohio University commit and Sheridan senior claims the top spot on our list. In his first season in Division 1, Ruthers placed 2nd in the region for cross country. With a personal best of 9:21.79 from the Division 2 state championship last spring, where he finished as the runner-up, Ruthers is poised to be Central Ohio’s leading competitor for the 3200m state title.

   
   

2. Jacob Bolton - The Dublin Coffman senior was one of the top runners in the region during cross country season and holds a personal best of 9:22.27. He’ll aim to secure All-Ohio honors at the state meet this track season.

   
   

3. Jeffery Kerns - Similar to Bolton, Kerns was among the region’s top runners during cross country season and has a 3200m personal best in the 9:20 range. The Westerville North senior will strive to pair his cross country All-Ohio honors with All-Ohio recognition on the track this spring.

   
   

4. Michael Kinzer - While he only broke the 16-minute barrier once during cross country season, Kinzer’s track talent is undeniable. The Dublin Scioto junior broke 4:30 in the 1600 as a freshman and holds a 3200m personal best of 9:21.40 from his sophomore season. Although Scioto boasts two other strong 3200m runners, Kinzer may compete in the 1600m for the postseason, but he remains on the 3200m list for now.

   
   

5. Bradyn Allender - Allender starts a trend on our list of emphasizing cross country performances in our rankings. The Olentangy Orange senior has a personal best of 9:36, but given his outstanding cross country season, including a 2nd Team All-Ohio finish, we anticipate he’ll post much faster times this track season.

   
   

6. Charles Rizek - The other half of DeSales’ star senior duo, alongside Jacob Reash, Rizek also had an impressive cross country season. While his 3200m personal best is 9:48, his potential—evident from his cross country performances—suggests he’ll significantly improve his time this track season.

   
   

7. Gordon Kimberly - The Olentangy Liberty junior, who ran 9:39 last track season, ranks 7th after a breakout conclusion to his cross country campaign. He’s also one of three non-seniors on this list, further highlighting his strong potential for growth.

   
   

8. McKinley Norman - Norman is another cross country standout whose current 3200m personal best doesn’t reflect his talent. The Dublin Scioto senior has a personal best of 9:56, but his 15:41 cross country time and two state qualifications suggest he’s poised to make a big leap in the 3200m this season.

   
   

9. Austin Benedict - New Albany’s freshman phenom doesn’t yet have a track 3200m seed time, but his stellar performances during cross country season earn him a spot on this list. He’s one to watch as he transitions into track competition.

   
   

10. Owen Kockentiet - Rounding out our top 10 is yet another Dublin Scioto runner, senior Owen Kockentiet. Although he narrowly missed state qualification during cross country season, his 3200m personal best of 9:40 puts him in a strong position for the upcoming track season.