GlenOak's Elena Knowles looks ahead after state runner-up finish in seated shot put
COLUMBUS — Elena Knowles could not leave the OHSAA Track and Field Championships on Friday too upset.
The GlenOak High School sophomore's best throw in the girls seated shot put topped her title-winning throw a year ago. Unfortunately for Knowles, someone else had a throw that was a little better.
Streetsboro's Milena Sobie won the state title with a throw of 17 feet, 2.25 inches. Knowles was runner-up at 17-0.75. She and Sobie were the only two throwers who hit 17 feet.
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"It's a little disappointing, but it was fun," Knowles said. "I'm glad I got my new record for state."
Knowles was one of five Stark County shot putters who qualified for the state meet. All five will have an excellent shot to do it again next season.
Jackson freshman Abigail Pole came in with the state's top throw and finished third at 16-11.75. Massillon junior Riley Hostetler came in fourth at 15-2.5. Perry freshman Ahsha DiPietro was sixth at 12-1.5. Massillon sophomore Alayna Mendenhall finished 10th at 10-0.
Knowles later qualified for Saturday's finals in the seated 100 and 400. She also will compete in the seated 800.
As for the shot put, Knowles is already looking forward to giving it another shot.
"I'll come back next season and do pretty good," Knowles said.
Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com
On Twitter: @mpopovichREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: GlenOak's Elena Knowles second at OHSAA Track and Field Championships
