Girls 1600m Regional Rankings

Note: These rankings are based on how we believe the event will play out at the regional meet, not on current times alone. We’ve also ranked athletes in the event(s) we believe they will actually contest. For example, some athletes may double or triple, which could affect their freshness for certain events.

1. Celia Schulte This won’t be the first—or last—time you see the superstar Wildcat at the top of our rankings. After leading Davidson to the top of our 4x800 rankings, Schulte finds herself ranked No. 1 in the 1600m as well. Her 4:46 split in the Bizzarri Mile puts her in a league of her own. Following a historic indoor season in the 800m, she’s shown incredible range and versatility outdoors. Expect her to continue breaking records this postseason while leading the Lady Wildcats in their quest for a regional title.

2. Brooke Chapman Speaking of historic seasons, the junior from Orange is having one of her own. Chapman is the clear No. 2 in this field and will look to challenge Schulte if the race goes fast. A tactical race might work against her, but if it turns honest, a sub-4:50 mark is within reach. She also leads the region in the 3200m and will help her 4x800 relay contend for a state berth—making her one of the most dangerous all-around distance threats in Ohio.

3. Elena Aldrink It feels almost wrong to rank one of the state’s most consistent postseason performers third, but with this level of talent, it’s where she falls. Aldrink won the 3200m state title last year and will likely focus on that event again—but we expect her to double. While it’s technically her "secondary" event, her strength and experience will make her a key contender in the 1600m as well.

4. Katy Zang It’s strange not seeing Zang atop the list, but she’s rebounded impressively after a tough cross country injury. With marks of 5:00 in the 1600m and 10:35 in the 3200m this season, she’s shown she’s back near her best. We know she has the endurance, but the regional title may come down to whether she can unleash top-end speed over the final lap. Like others in this group, she’ll be a multi-event factor.

5. Bella ConfortiThe second Orange runner in the top five, Conforti has had a breakout sophomore season after making noise during cross country. She’s ranked top 7 in the region for both the 1600m and 3200m, and we expect she’ll attempt the double at regionals. Though she lacks postseason experience compared to others on this list, her progression and consistency make her a serious threat for a state berth.

6. Harper Allen Many would peg Allen as a 3200m specialist, but her 5:02 in the 1600m makes her a legitimate double threat. Her versatility is unmatched—she’s also competed in the 300m hurdles and even the shot put this season. If she toes the line fresh, Allen could absolutely challenge for a top-four finish and spot at Jesse Owens.

7. Minori Hudson The Dublin Coffman senior is peaking at the right time. Her 5:05 in the 1600m came on the heels of impressive 800m performances (including a 2:15 mark). While she has mostly focused on the 800m, we expect her to double at regionals. Her footspeed makes her especially dangerous in a slower race—and a strong candidate to qualify for state.

8. Ashley Alsko Also, the second half of Davidson’s stellar duo, hasn’t broken 5:15 this season—but her 5:05 PR earned her a podium finish at last year’s state meet. She’s already clocked 2:21 in the 800m this spring, showing she has the speed needed for a fast close. A seasoned veteran with a high racing IQ, she’ll be right in the mix when the pace picks up in the final laps.

Honorable Mentions:

Aubrey Smith, Sophia Poling

Notable Athletes Not Considered (Due to Expected Event Focus or Team Entry Limits):

Erica Kaulen (Expected in 3200m; Davidson likely entering Schulte and Alsko)

Natalie Fouts (3200m)

Megan Packard (800m)

Gemma Pusateri (Davidson likely entering Schulte and Alsko)Maggie Foust (3200m)

Josie Cox (800m)

Lucy Rush (800m)

Ruby Lewis (3200m)