FREMONT – The Fremont Ross track and field program is heading to Columbus in record-setting fashion.
At this past weekend’s OHSAA Regional Championships, the Little Giants qualified a school-record 11 athletes for the upcoming State Track and Field Meet — a milestone achievement that underscores a season of dedication, growth, and standout performances.
“We’ve had high expectations all year,” said head coach Travis Elder. “While there were a couple of athletes we hoped would qualify and came up just short, these results are what we’ve been building toward since day one. I couldn’t be prouder.”
STATE QUALIFIERS
Among those earning a coveted trip to state was Danika Denman, who qualified in both the pole vault and the 300-meter hurdles, continuing her remarkable senior campaign.
The girls 4×200-meter relay squad of Ashtyn Marsee, Malise Lee-Garrett, Lexi Nelson, and Braxtyn Jordan not only advanced — they broke the school record in the process, posting a blistering time of 1:42.78.
High jumpers Kilee Kidd and Lyndi Wolf also secured state berths after stellar showings in one of the meet’s most competitive fields.
Jadrian Brown will represent the Little Giants in both the 100 and 400-meter dashes, showcasing his explosive speed and endurance.
Brown also anchored the boys 4×200 relay, which claimed Regional Champion honors, teaming with Mason Englund, Gabe Wensinger, and Stephen Reiter to punch their ticket to Columbus.
Englund, who finished 5th in the high jump, earned an at-large bid after clearing 6 feet, 6 inches, ranking among the top non-automatic qualifiers statewide.
PODIUM FINISHES
While not all athletes advanced, several Fremont competitors capped their seasons with podium-worthy performances.
- Tierra Parker placed 7th in the shot put
- Tallon Brown missed a state berth by just three inches, finishing 5th in the discus
- Lexi Nelson, already a state qualifier in the relay, was 7th in the long jump
- Stephen Reiter took 7th in the 100-meter dash
- Braxtyn Jordan, also part of the state-bound relay, placed 7th in the 100
- Boogie Sanchez (13th in the 800) and Reese Smith (15th in discus) also competed hard against elite competition
“These athletes left it all on the track and in the field,” added Coach Elder. “The podium finishes are a testament to how deep and talented this group is. The future is incredibly bright.”
ON TO COLUMBUS
With one week left in the season, the focus now shifts to preparation and execution at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The Little Giants will compete against the state’s best with a record-breaking squad, full of momentum and pride.
“This is already a historic season,” said Elder. “Now we go finish it.”