Girls' Indoor State Meet Predictions

State Title Predictions:

Quincy: 

D1 4x800m: Hilliard Davidson

D1 1600m: Erica Kaulen

D1 800m: Celia Schulte

D1 3200m: Elena Aldrink

D2 4x800m: Hathaway Brown

D2 1600m: Sophia Szolosi

D2 800m: Anna Prusak

D2 3200m: Sophia Szolosi

Jacob: 

D1 4x800m: Hilliard Davidson

D1 1600m: Brooke Chapman

D1 800m: Celia Schulte

D1 3200m: Elena Aldrink

D2 4x800m: Watterson

D2 1600m: Anna Prusak

D2 800m:  Claire Jenkins

D2 3200m: Sophia Szolosi

Ethan:

D1 4x800m: Hilliard Davidson

D1 1600m: Brooke Chapman

D1 800m: Celia Schulte

D1 3200m: Elena Aldrink

D2 4x800m: Lexington

D2 1600m: Sophia Szolosi

D2 800m: Kaya Asinjo

D2 3200m: Sophia Szolosi

Which race do you believe is the most compelling overall?

Quincy: The Division 1 3200m run features a combination of top-end talent and a deep pack racing for a medal. Zang vs. Aldrink will be a compelling matchup, and with a large group of runners just under 11:20 this season, many will be in play for All-Ohio honors. There will be numerous storylines playing out from start to finish.

Jacob: The Division 2 800m is incredibly compelling because the field is so tightly knit. With so many runners closely matched in time and no clear favorite, it is an interesting race to keep an eye on.

Ethan: In my eyes, the Division 1 1600m is the most compelling event of the meet. It is a stacked field featuring two-time outdoor champion and NC State commit Brooke Chapman, alongside standouts like Hannah Jicha, Kaitlyn Reese, and Erica Kaulen. Although Chapman typically doesn't hit her peak until late in the outdoor season, she remains my pick. However, keep a close eye on Villanova commit Hannah Jicha; her strong recent form suggests she could make a massive push for the win.

What individual matchup are you most looking forward to?

Quincy: Szolosi and Prusak in the Division 2 1600m cannot be ignored. Prusak has been dominant in the 800m, while Szolosi has been unstoppable in the 3200m. They are meeting in the middle for the most exciting Division 2 race of the day, and they will be fighting all the way to the line for the top spot on the podium.

Jacob: Katy Zang vs. Elena Aldrink in the Division 1 3200m. I picked Aldrink to take home the win due to her amazing cross country season, but if it comes down to a final kick, Zang might pull off the victory. This is definitely a matchup to watch closely.

Ethan: The Zang vs. Aldrink showdown is a marquee matchup between two high-profile Big Ten commits. While Aldrink got the better of Zang during the cross country season, she will have some "tread off her tires" coming off the 4x800, whereas Zang will be perfectly fresh. I still give Aldrink the slight edge, but don’t be surprised if Zang leverages her freshness to pull off a massive upset.

Which race results are you the least certain about?

Quincy: The Division 1 1600m features the reigning outdoor state champion, Brooke Chapman, alongside three other runners who have broken five minutes this indoor season. I am giving the edge to Kaulen because of Hilliard Davidson’s success this year, but this race will be tight throughout, and anyone could come out on top.

Jacob: I am most uncertain about the Division 1 1600m because of the sheer amount of talent. Brooke Chapman is seeded 4th, which shows how deep the field goes. I still believe she can take home the victory, as she has proven her excellence in the past, but it will ultimately come down to who wants it more.

Ethan: Admittedly, my knowledge of Division 2 is a bit more limited, so I am least certain about the 800m matchup between Kaya Asinjo and Anna Prusak. While both have posted blistering 2:14 marks this season, Prusak will already have a tough 1600m race under her belt. Because of that, I am giving the slight edge to the fresher legs of Asinjo.

What is one bold prediction you have for the day?

Quincy: Celia Schulte will walk away from the meet with two indoor state meet records—in the 4x800m relay and the open 800m. Expect her to help the relay team slip under 2:10, and look for her to break her 800m PR with a blazing 2:06.

Jacob: Watterson will come out on top in the Division 2 4x800m. Although Turpin and Granville are seeded higher, I feel Watterson will edge out the competition to take the win.

Ethan: Expect fireworks in the Division 1 4x800; I believe the day will kick off with a state record. Hilliard Davidson has been on a tear this season, boasting a blistering 9:15 best. They will put the pedal to the metal and win by over 20 seconds to finish under 9:10. Additionally, I expect four Central Ohio teams—Davidson, Lancaster, Olentangy Liberty, and Gahanna Lincoln—to all crack the top five.