OHSAA track and field: Akron area's 10 boys with best chance to win a state championship
School's almost out for the summer, but not before the OHSAA boys track and field postseason heats up.
District tournaments open this week for boys track and field. Welcome Stadium in Dayton will host the state meet May 30 to June 1 and there are plenty of Greater Akron athletes with dreams of state gold.
Whose dreams could be coming true? Here's a list of Greater Akron's top 10 boys state title hopefuls:
Ty Bova, CVCA, sr., hurdles
Best previous state finish: Seventh in 300 hurdles at 2023 Division II state meet
Why he could win a title: Bova has been a three-sport star at CVCA since his freshman year. After a solid state meet last year, he will be among the favorites in the 300 hurdles and likely will anchor a few Royals relays.
Connor Hons, Woodridge, so., hurdles
Best previous state finish: None (injured as freshman)
Why he could win a title: Hons' teammates call him a "demon" in the hurdles. His dominant performances at the Metro Athletic Conference meet show why. Woodridge might have found its next big thing.
Trevin Jordan, Copley, sr., shot put/discus
Best previous state finish: Reached 2023 state meet in the shot put
Why he could win a title: Jordan has a lot of motivation after fouling on three consecutive attempts in last year's shot put. He's already broken the 60-foot barrier multiple time, which could be enough to win it.
Qi'Marreon Marks, Buchtel, sr., 400
Best previous state finish: Third place in 800 relay at 2023 Division II state meet
Why he could win a title: Marks is a unique three-sport athlete who already has been a state champion with Buchtel boys basketball. He has a solid chance in the sprint relays, as well as the 400.
Caden McClure, Green, sr., pole vault
Best previous state finish: 14th place in pole vault at Division I 2023 state meet
Why he could win a title: Pole vaulting runs in the family. After Connor McClure set the state record in 2021 at 17 feet, 3 inches, Cade has ben putting up big numbers this spring.
Jared Newenhisen, Tallmadge, sr., 800
Best previous state finish: 13th place in 800 at 2023 Division I state meet
Why he could win a title: Newenhisen helped Tallmadge clinch a tie in the Suburban League American Conference. His form has imporved since last year's 13th-place finish and he could make a push for gold.
Ben Shabino, Hudson, sr., shot put/discus
Best previous state finish: Fourth place in 2023 Division I discus
Why he could win a title: Shabino already has thrown nearly 10 feet past his best throw from last year in the discus. This year, he's looked just as strong in the shot put and could push for the "throwing double."
Markeise Smith, Garfield, sr., high jump
Best previous state finish: 2023 Division I state runner-up in high jump
Why he could win a title: Smith came from out of nowhere to place second last year at state. He won't be under the radar this postseason, but he's already bettered his leap of 6-8 and could become the Rams' first state champion.
Sam Su, Woodridge, sr., 800/1,600
Best previous state finish: Third place in 1,600 at 2023 Division II state meet
Why he could win a title: Su was third in the 1,600 just behind teammate Seth Singer last year. He also placed third in the Division II state cross country meet, so he has no lack experience on the big stage.
Dylan Wood, Copley, sr., 3,200
Best previous state finish: 11th place in 3,200 at 2020 Division I state meet
Why he could win a title: Wood is due. Lousy luck has beset him most of his postseason career. If he's healthy, he's as good as anyone in the state in the 3,200.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 10 Akron-area boys with OHSAA track and field state championship hopes
