Girls 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: Hilliard Davidson, Dublin Coffman, Olentangy Liberty, Dublin Jerome, Olentangy Berlin, Lancaster

On paper, this race looks wide open. Hilliard Davidson enters with the fastest seed time of 9:09, but several teams are right behind them with marks of 9:17 or faster. Strongsville is especially close, seeded at 9:10. That said, I’m picking the Lady Wildcats to win this one — and win it comfortably. They haven’t been challenged all year, taking the regional title by a commanding eight seconds. Even if a team like Strongsville manages to gain ground through the first three legs, good luck holding off one of the nation’s fastest 800m runners in Celia Schulte on the anchor.

Among the other Central Ohio squads, Lancaster is one to watch. They’ll be surrounded by elite competition for the first time all season and could explode to a big PR. Right behind them is regional runner-up Dublin Coffman, who will be relying on a star anchor leg from Minori Hudson to push for a podium finish. As for Olentangy Liberty, Olentangy Berlin, and Dublin Jerome, they’ll need a near-perfect day to be in the mix — but as of now, we don’t see them seriously contending for a top-three spot.

Shifting back to the front, a few more teams could realistically challenge Davidson and Strongsville for the win. Avon and Perrysburg will likely be in the mix — at least through the first three legs. Ultimately, the question is simple: Can Avon, Perrysburg, or Strongsville build a large enough lead to hold off Celia Schulte on the anchor? If not, expect fireworks on the final leg of what could turn into a record-breaking race.

1600

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Brooke Chapman, Marisa Heil, Natalie Fouts, Minori Hudson, Erica Kaulen, Harper Allen

Wow. The slowest seed time in this field is 5:02.91 — and 15 of the 18 competitors come in with sub-5:00 marks. This might be the deepest girls 1600m field in Ohio state history. Could we see all 18 runners dip under 5:00? It’s certainly possible. And the front of the field is just as stacked, featuring Daniella Scheffler of Uniontown Lake seeded at 4:47, defending state champion Brooke Chapman of Olentangy Orange with a sub-4:50 PR, Hannah Jicha of Strongsville at 4:51, and Marisa Heil of Lancaster also at 4:51. Truthfully, you could mention nearly every girl on the line — most of this field will be in the mix, at least through the first 2–3 laps.

While there are plenty of names to highlight, we believe this state title will ultimately come down to Daniella Scheffler trying to hold off Brooke Chapman. Scheffler has shown her dominance throughout the season, both on the track and during cross country, but Chapman is relentless — as she proved with her ferocious kick to win last year’s title. We’re giving a slight edge to Schaffer, but don’t be surprised if Chapman reclaims her crown in a thrilling final lap.

As for the rest of Central Ohio’s elite, they’ll be battling for top-five finishes and spots on the podium. Marisa Heil is a strong contender to challenge for the title or finish top three. Natalie Fouts, the regional runner-up, has the aerobic strength to hang with anyone, while Minori Hudson, third at regionals, has the deadly speed to surge in the final stretch. Erica Kaulen of Hilliard Davidson brings big-meet experience, and Harper Allen of Lancaster will look to use her footspeed to sneak onto the podium as well. This race has the potential to be legendary — and like the 4x800m, don’t be surprised if records fall.

800

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Celia Schulte, Elliano Alonso, Brooke Chapman, Abbie McBrearty, Bridget Snider

For the first time today, we have a clear favorite — and the real racing will be for second, third, and the remaining podium spots. As mentioned earlier, Celia Schulte is one of the nation’s best 800m runners, and barring anything unexpected, she’s expected to win this one comfortably. The state record holder will not only be aiming for the title, but likely looking to lower her own mark in the process.

The chase pack will likely be led by Avon’s Kaitlyn Reese and Dover’s Sydney Stevenson, with Grace Lavelle and Olivia Komperda also expected to be in the mix. Hannah Jicha, doubling back from the 1600m, will be looking to latch on to this group as well. And just like the 1600m, this field is incredibly deep — the slowest seed time is a blazing 2:15, meaning no one is out of contention.

With just a five-second spread from second to eighteenth, predicting the podium is nearly impossible. From Central Ohio, I’m picking Brooke Chapman — fresh off the 1600m — to run a smart, tactical race and use her signature kick to earn another podium finish. I’m also calling my shot: Bridget Snider of Olentangy Liberty breaks through with a PR performance to sneak onto the podium. Joining them in the hunt will be Elliana Alonso of Olentangy Berlin and Abbie McBrearty of Dublin Jerome.

3200

Central Ohio State Qualifiers: Katy Zang, Natalie Fouts, Marisa Heil, Marguerite Foust, Erica Kaulen, Ruby Lewis, Bella Conforti

This will be an excellent way to close out the distance events — and it won’t be the runaway some might expect. While Daniella Scheffler is the heavy favorite, she’ll be doubling back from the 1600m and won’t be as fresh as many of her top challengers. Central Ohio’s Marisa Heil and Natalie Fouts will be major players, but like Scheffler, they’ll also be coming off the 1600m.

Evelyn Prodoehl of Lakota West will be the fastest seeded fresh athlete in the field and should absolutely be in the mix for the win. Teays Valley junior Katy Zang — also coming in fresh — was nearly unstoppable during the cross country season before her injury, and she’s peaking at the right time. Picking a winner isn’t easy, but I’ll go with the safe choice and take Schaffer to hold off the field one more time.

Ruby Lewis, who placed sixth at regionals behind names like Zang, Scheffler, and Heil, grabbed the final wildcard spot — and I believe she’ll capitalize on it with a podium-caliber performance. Also representing Central Ohio is Marysville’s Maggie Foust, another breakout star who’s been on fire in the postseason and could push for a top finish.

You can never count out Hilliard Davidson’s Erica Kaulen, but like several others, she’ll be coming off the 1600m and facing a stacked, fresh field. That leaves one final name to mention: Olentangy Orange’s Bella Conforti. Fresh and consistently clutch, she’ll absolutely be in the thick of it for a podium spot.

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.