Boys State Preview

After months of anticipation, the OHSAA Division 1 State Meet is finally here. It returns to its rightful place at the newly refurbished Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on June 6th and 7th. This year’s field features one of the fastest groups of distance runners ever to compete at Jesse Owens. With at least two events threatening state meet records and talent spread across every race, the stage is set for two days filled with standout performances. With many distance events wide open, we’re sure to see thrilling battles to determine who will be crowned state champions.

4x800

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Dublin Jerome, Westerville North, Olentangy Liberty, Gahanna Lincoln, Olentangy Orange, Lancaster

This race is going to come down to three teams: Central Ohio’s Dublin Jerome, Northwest Ohio’s Lexington, and Southwest Ohio’s Butler. Both Jerome and Lexington broke 7:40 last weekend, and Butler has the personal bests to run under that mark as well. Predicting a winner won’t be easy. I don’t know much about Lexington, other than that they’re led by Latrell Hughes—who’s run 1:52 in the open 800 this year—and Chance Basilone, the Division II indoor state champion in the 1600. Butler’s squad is unique in that it’s made up primarily of middle-distance runners and sprinters, including two athletes with open 800 times of 1:53 and another who’s gone 47.86 in the 400. We already know what Dublin Jerome is capable of. This race will likely come down to who has the most strength on the anchor leg. A final leg showdown between Charlie Guerrera, Latrell Hughes, and Tayvon Crump could be one for the ages. Honestly, I can’t pick a clear favorite—so I’ll go with the hometown team in Dublin Jerome.

Beyond what might be the fastest top three teams the state has ever seen, the field is still loaded with elite talent. Westerville North has clocked 7:41 this year and looks poised for a strong fourth-place finish. After that, it’s anyone’s race for the remaining All-Ohio spots. Every Central Ohio qualifying team has a legitimate shot at cracking the top eight. If Olentangy Liberty and Gahanna Lincoln replicate last week’s performances, they’ll be on the podium Friday night. I also think Lancaster and Olentangy Orange underperformed at regionals and are more than capable of running under 7:45 to earn a top-eight finish. Outside of Central Ohio, keep an eye on Toledo St. Francis, St. Xavier, Mentor, and Centerville to make some noise in the 4x800 at the state meet.

1600

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Charlie Guerrera, Matthew Schroff, Brock Jarrett, Ethan Ishida, Casey Carlos, Jacob Reash

The winner will likely come down to a rematch from last week. Charlie Guerrera and Matthew Schroff ran 4:05 and 4:06, respectively, at Regionals, putting them well ahead of the rest of the field—especially with Max Friedrich opting for the 3200. I expect a similar race this time around: a fast final lap from both runners, with Guerrera ultimately pulling away for the win.

After that, things get much less predictable. From an entry standpoint, Central Ohio appears poised to dominate—Region 3’s sixth-place finisher ran faster than any qualifier from the other regions. Still, it won’t be a walk in the park. Brock Jarrett, Ethan Ishida, Casey Carlos, and Jacob Reash all have strong chances at earning All-Ohio honors, but they’ll face tough competition from the likes of Daniel Emmert, Jackson Davis, Sam Darmanie, and Matthew Penkowski. With so many runners bunched in the mid-4:10s, the final results will come down to who’s able to rise to the occasion. One runner to keep an eye on: Brock Jarrett is due for a big race

800

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Jayden Beverly, Matthew Schroff, Gabe Wise, Gabe McNeil, Lavon Wilborn, Evan Graessle

Unlike the 1600, there’s no clear favorite in the 800—and honestly, it’s nearly impossible to predict. The gap between the top-seeded and tenth-seeded runners is less than a second, so anything can happen. That said, I think the athletes with sub-1:52 personal bests have a slight edge. Those include Aidan Shiels, Jayden Beverly, Latrell Hughes, Daniel Emmert, and Matthew Schroff.

I’m fairly confident that Emmert and Schroff will earn All-Ohio honors, but their potential for a state title might be limited since both will be doubling back from tough 1600s. That leaves the title race between Hughes, Beverly, and Shiels—with Hughes as my predicted winner. While his official 800 PR is 1:52.54, he’s run 48.01 in the 400 and posted a 15:13 in cross country, suggesting he has the strength and speed for a sub-1:51 performance.

Beverly, another standout junior, should also make noise and could place second with a low 1:51, while Shiels shouldn’t be far behind. As I mentioned, this field is hard to dissect, but Central Ohio’s Gabe Wise, Lavon Wilborn, Gabe McNeil, and Evan Graessle all have the potential to earn All-Ohio honors if they execute well on race day.

3200

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Charlie Guerrera, Mick Temple, Tate Ruthers, Marcus AdelmanThis will be a really fun way to close out the distance events. There are several runners who have either already broken 9:10 or clearly have the potential to do so. With only a few doubling back from the 1600, this race has the potential to go out fast—if someone decides to take it there. That said, it’s the postseason, so it’s just as likely we see a tactical affair. If the pace is hot from the gun, we could see 10 or more runners break 9:10. But if they play it safe, expect a large pack up front with 600 meters to go. Either way, it’s going to be exciting.

Among the top contenders, I’ll highlight Dom Ellis, Alex Bruns, Max Friedrich, Ryne Reynolds, and Charlie Guerrera. Ellis has already run 9:00 this season, Bruns was the runner-up at the state cross country meet, Friedrich placed third in last year’s 3200, Reynolds ran 9:06 last week, and Guerrera is the only runner in Ohio to have broken 9:00 this season—though he’ll be coming off the 1600. Picking a winner is no easy task, but I’ll go with Guerrera to pull off the elusive 1600–3200 double, just like his future teammate Conner Ackley did two years ago.

Other athletes who could make a serious impact and possibly challenge for a state title include Kasem Kaheal, Mick Temple, Tate Ruthers, Marcus Adelman, Chance Basilone, and Noah Burgh. With big days, any of them could break into the top three.

With deep fields, breakout potential, and wide-open title races across the board, this year’s state meet is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. From dominant frontrunners to unpredictable dark horses, every distance event offers the chance for something special. Whether it’s a record-breaking relay, a tactical showdown, or a surprise podium finish, expect two days of unforgettable racing at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The only thing left to do now is sit back and watch the state’s best go head-to-head for glory.