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About the candidates:

Carter Hutchinson (Dublin Jerome)

After beginning his career as a sprinter, Dublin Jerome sophomore Carter Hutchinson is quickly making a name for himself in the regional distance scene. Despite running just 4:52 during the indoor season, he made a massive leap outdoors, dropping his personal best to 4:26. With that momentum, Hutchinson has established himself as a future standout for the Celtics.

Gabe McNeil (Lancaster)

A newcomer to the 800, Lancaster sophomore Gabe McNeil burst onto the scene this outdoor season, steadily improving his personal best throughout the year. Not only did he qualify for the state meet, but he also placed 6th in Division I with a time of 1:52.89. McNeil finishes the season as the top 800 runner in Ohio’s class of 2027.

Lavon Wilborn (New Albany)

Like McNeil, New Albany sophomore Lavon Wilborn will be a force in the region for the rest of his high school career. He made waves by winning his conference title in the 800, then continued to impress throughout the postseason. Wilborn capped off his breakout season with a personal best of 1:53.18 and a spot at the state championships.

Gavin Swain (Gahanna Lincoln)

Gahanna Lincoln freshman Gavin Swain made an immediate impact in his first year of high school competition. He became a consistent 1:58 split on the Lions’ state-qualifying 4x800 squad and ran an impressive 4:20 in the 1600 — the fastest time by any freshman in the state and the top mark among all underclassmen in the region. Swain has firmly established himself as a name to watch in the coming years.