3200m Pre-Track Season Rankings: Girls

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

1. Elena Aldrink - Aldrink joins Brooke Chapman as one of two returning Central Ohio state champions. The Olentangy Liberty junior’s 10:35.34 from her state championship victory last season is by far the fastest returning mark heading into this season.

   
   

2. Erica Kaulen - While it’s possible that some of the top 1600m talent may switch to the 3200m during the postseason, for now, the Hilliard Davidson junior claims the number two spot on our list. With a 3200m personal best of 11:01, she is well-positioned to vie for a state qualification spot in track.

   
   

3. Helen Randolph - Although she is committed to swimming in college, Randolph remains a standout on the track. The Dublin Jerome senior boasts a personal best of 11:03.08 and finished 3rd at regionals last season.

   
   

4. Grace Heitkamp - The recent Dayton commit and Olentangy Berlin senior has a personal best of 11:15.96 from districts last season. She’ll aim to improve on her 13th-place finish at regionals and secure a state qualification spot this year.

   
   

5. Mia Eberhardt - The Pickerington North senior and recent University of Tampa commit holds a 3200m personal best of 11:18.06. Eberhardt finished 8th at regionals last season and will look to carry her momentum from a strong cross country season into track, targeting a state qualification spot.

   
   

6. Kaitlyn Van Zandt - Despite not having a 3200m seed time, Bishop Watterson’s freshman phenom has earned her spot on this list. Based on her impressive performances during cross country season, she is expected to compete strongly with the runners ranked around her.

   
   

7. Elena Wanek - The Olentangy sophomore presents an intriguing case. She broke onto the scene in her freshman year, achieving a personal best of 11:19 and finishing 6th at regionals. However, she does not appear to compete in cross country, which could limit her potential without year-round training.

   
   

8. Miriam Rule - Whetstone junior Miriam Rule is the school’s top runner and holds a personal best of 11:19.95 in the 3200m. After finishing 7th at regionals last season, she will be in the mix with other bubble runners fighting for a state qualification spot.

   
   

9. Bailey Gross - Gross is the first runner on this list without a personal best under 11:20. After narrowly missing regionals by one spot last year, the Marysville senior will aim to earn All-Region honors during this track season.

   
   

10. Ella Luker - Rounding out our list is Jonathan Alder junior Ella Luker. Competing in Division 1 during track season, Luker has a personal best of 11:25.08. Like Gross, she’ll be striving to make her first regional appearance in track this year.