Girls District 2 Preview

The Division 1 Central District meet is always one of the most competitive in the state, and this year’s distance events are no exception. With deep fields, fast personal bests, and limited regional spots up for grabs, every race will be high-stakes and tightly contested.

1600m Projected Regional Qualifiers: Erica Kaulen, Natalie Fouts, Ashley Alsko, Elena Wanek

This one should be a thriller. It’ll shape up as two separate battles: one for the title, and one for the final two qualifying spots. At the front, Erica Kaulen and Natalie Fouts are both elite talents, but Kaulen gets the slight edge thanks to her superior footspeed. Behind them, the most likely qualifier is Davidson’s Ashley Alsko—last year’s state podium finisher—though she has yet to dip under 5:15 this season. Grove City’s Aubrey Smith, while struggling recently, also has strong credentials. Our underdog pick is Olentangy’s Elena Wanek, who’s been trending upward and could sneak into the top four. Also in contention are Annie See, Leah Price, and Kyla Benedict.

800m Projected Regional Qualifiers: Celia Schulte, Gemma Pusateri, Abbie McBrearty, Audri Barry

Not to be outdone by the 1600m, this 800m is set to be a dogfight. The clear favorite is Davidson’s Celia Schulte—one of the best half-milers in the nation. Right behind her, we predict teammate Gemma Pusateri will hold off a deep field to secure a 1–2 Wildcat finish. Jerome’s Abbie McBrearty and DeSales’ Audri Barry are our picks for the final two spots, but it’s far from a lock. Challengers include McBrearty’s teammate Ella Watson, Darby’s Abigail Rumschlag, Kilbourne’s Sarah Lundine, and New Albany’s Maya Speed, among others. Expect fireworks—this race could produce some of the fastest times we’ve seen all season.

3200m Projected Regional Qualifiers: Natalie Fouts, Erica Kaulen, Kaitlyn Van Zandt, Mia Eberhardt

Compared to the other two, the 3200m feels more straightforward. Even doubling back from the 1600m, Fouts and Kaulen should have little trouble locking up their second regional berths of the day. Watterson freshman Kaitlyn Van Zandt has impressed all season and is a strong pick for third. Rounding out the projected top four is Pickerington North’s Mia Eberhardt, whose postseason experience gives her the edge. Wanek could be a threat, but fatigue from the 1600m may hold her back. Others in the hunt if the favorites falter include Cecilia Keller, along with Leah and Lydia Price.

With so many proven stars and rising contenders, this year’s district races promise to deliver some of the most exciting finishes of the postseason. Whether it's a tactical chess match or an all-out burn from the gun, expect every athlete to leave it all on the track in pursuit of a regional berth.