Tag Archive for: shot put

RUNNING WEDNESDAYS WITH RICK SYPERT (EP 6) STATE CHAMPIONSHIP RECAP

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The latest episode of YSN’s “Running Wednesdays” delivered inspiration and excitement as hosts DJ Yokley and Anthony Hartwig interviewed three of the Mahoning Valley’s standout high school track athletes: Drew Zajack and Julianna Krumpak of McDonald, and Ava Hulett of Mineral Ridge.

Fresh from their trips to the podium at the state championships, Zajack and Krumpak joined the show live from vacation. Zajack, who captured the Division III state title in discus with a dramatic final throw, recounted overcoming injury and the pressure of the moment. “It was a hard week before. I didn’t really get in any throws… I was nursing a pretty bad back injury,” Zajack shared. Despite physical setbacks, he found focus for the final, clutch throw. “I released it and did like a little ballerina and got out the back of the ring. That’s all that matters.” Krumpak, meanwhile, highlighted the team atmosphere that powered McDonald’s relay squads to the podium after missing out in previous seasons. “Coming back this year was really big for us, and we wanted to really show what we could do. We were able to do that and made it on the podium – it was a great feeling,” she said. Both athletes credited the massive support McDonald fans brought to Columbus, with Zajack calling it “the best feeling ever” to celebrate with teammates, family, and community.

Ava Hulett of Mineral Ridge, a recent graduate and now Wright State commit, reflected on her journey as a high school athlete who left a lasting impact on her program. Hulett set the school record in the 100-meter hurdles and brought home state medals in multiple events this season. Looking back, she expressed pride in her accomplishments and what she’s passed on to younger athletes: “I know a lot of younger athletes look up to me now and they respect me. I’ve taught some of them a lot of things I hope they can carry into future seasons.” She also emphasized the importance of balancing hard work with rest, advising Ridge’s incoming freshmen not to push themselves to burnout. With the season behind them, all three athletes shared their plans for well-deserved downtime—relaxing at the beach, shopping trips, and simply savoring a rare break from daily practice before training begins again. As Coach Rick Sypert summed up, these are the stories of legacy and inspiration: young athletes pushing through adversity, supporting each other, and setting standards that will shape their programs for years to come. The Mahoning Valley has plenty to be proud of as these champions look ahead to bright futures both on and off the track.

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RUNNING WEDNESDAYS WITH RICK SYPERT (EP 3) FEATURING DAVID DALTORIO

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BOARDMAN OH- On this week’s “Running Wednesday” podcast, Boardman High School senior David Daltorio joined hosts Anthony Hartwig and Rick Sypert to reflect on a milestone season, his journey through Spartan athletics, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

Daltorio, who will run for Walsh University in the fall, expressed his excitement about joining a pipeline of accomplished Boardman alumni at Walsh. “I think it’s just something I’ve always wanted, to be up there with those guys,” he said, referencing former Spartan standouts. Coach Sypert praised Daltorio’s leadership and impact on the Boardman program, noting how he mentors emerging runners and sets a high standard for work ethic and perseverance. “He’s a role model, he’s a leader, and he does so many good things for us around here,” Sypert said.

Daltorio, a multi-state qualifier in both track and cross country, credited the tight-knit team dynamic and supportive coaches for his growth, both as an athlete and a person. “I’ve grown so much—so much more than I ever thought I would,” he reflected. He also underscored the importance of hard work and resilience, habits he hopes will inspire future Spartans: “If you’re hurting in a race, we’re not going to give up today. That’s something I scream at them during the entire race.” With graduation approaching, Daltorio still has goals in his sights: breaking the school’s 3200-meter record and achieving All-Ohio honors at the outdoor state meet. After that, he looks forward to celebrating—preferably with a round of golf and a serving of his favorite grape ice cream from local favorite Handel’s. As the postseason looms and the Boardman track community looks ahead, it’s clear Daltorio’s influence—on the scoreboard and in the locker room—will be felt for years to come.

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SALEM, UNITED, AND BEAVER LOCAL SHINE AT COLUMBIANA COUNTY MEET

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EAST PALESTINE, OH- It was a thrilling day at Reid Stadium as the best of Columbiana County competed fiercely in the 2025 Track and Field Championships. Salem dominated the overall standings, securing both the girls’ and boys’ team championships with impressive scores.

On the boys’ side, United’s Danny Milburn put on a clinic in the sprint events, blazing to victory in the 100m (11.29), the 200m (22.63), and earning a solid third-place finish in the 400m (50.78). His teammate Trent Ellyson flexed his muscle in the field events, capturing the discus throw with a commanding 161-09 toss and securing fourth place in the shot put.

Salem’s athletes displayed outstanding depth and talent, highlighted by Hunter Owen’s powerful 50-04.25 victory in the shot put and Lucas Adams taking the long jump with a leap of 20-11.25. In the relay events, Salem’s boys claimed victories in the 4×100 (44.06) and 4×200 (1:32.28), showcasing their balanced strength across sprint events.

East Liverpool’s Julius Jones and Maddox Roach made some noise in the distance events. Jones took home first place in the 800m with a blistering time of 1:55.64, while Roach dominated the 1600m, setting a meet record at 4:19.96. They combined with teammates to capture the 4×400 relay, setting another meet record at 3:25.84.

In girls’ action, Beaver Local’s Mallory Miller dazzled spectators, sprinting to first-place finishes in both the 100m (12.93) and the 200m (26.27), while also anchoring her team to second place in the 4×200 relay. Her teammate Ralyn Gilson cruised to victory in the 300m hurdles (49.33) and secured second in the 100m hurdles.

Salem’s girls dominated the long-distance track events, led by Maggie Hopple and Maggie Hall. Hopple won the 1600m (5:15.82), closely followed by Hall, who finished second, and Hall later grabbed the 800m title (2:28.38), reversing roles with Hopple who placed second.

Southern’s Maddy Jones owned the throwing events, capturing gold in both the discus (124-06) and the shot put (38-04.25). Salem’s Madolyn Gorby and Peyton Colbert led the high jump event, finishing first and second, respectively.

Adding inspiration to the meet, Beaver Local’s Savannah Nign set a new stadium record in the girls’ wheelchair shot put (11-00.00), impressively surpassing her own previous best.

Ultimately, the Salem Quakers left no doubt about their prowess, winning the girls’ team competition with 174 points and topping the boys’ team standings with 147. East Liverpool and Beaver Local showed commendable performances, taking home second and third places, respectively.

It was a memorable day of competition, highlighting athletic excellence across Columbiana County.

SOUTHERN GIRLS AND EP BOYS STAND OUT IN EARLY SEASON MEET

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EAST PALESTINE, OH – The track season kicked off in style Tuesday at Reid Memorial Stadium, as Salem Southern and East Palestine traded punches in a competitive quad meet with David Anderson and Leetonia.

Southern’s girls team dominated the meet, collecting 113 points behind standout performances from Kiah Sloan, Caty Brewer, and Maddy Jones. Sloan sprinted her way to victories in the 100m (13.66), 200m (28.32), and long jump (15-06.5), while Brewer claimed the 400m (1:11.27) and 800m (2:50.76). Jones swept the throws, winning the shot put (35-03.25) and discus (105-06). Southern also cruised to relay wins in the 4×100, 4×400, and 4×800.

East Palestine’s girls earned 53 points, led by McKenna Paperella, who won both hurdle events (100H – 19.90, 300H – 1:04.07), and a strong second-place showing in the 4×400 relay.

Lisbon (41 pts) took gold in the high jump with freshman Brooklyn Kline clearing 4-04. Leetonia (17 pts) picked up key points in the hurdles and sprints.

On the boys’ side, East Palestine took top honors with 98 points, thanks to a balanced effort in both the sprints and field events. Isaac Cozza claimed the high jump (5-06) and took third in the 100m (12.32). Braxton Sloan from Southern delivered a standout performance, winning the 400m (52.28) and finishing fifth in the long jump.

Richie Sloan, another Southern standout, was the fastest on the track, grabbing gold in the 100m (11.90), 200m (24.44), and long jump (18-08).

Lisbon tallied 51 points, helped by Ashton Hinchliffe’s second-place finish in the long jump and runner-up run in the 100m (12.27). Kolt Cappitti shined in distance events, winning the 3200m (11:57.14) and finishing second in the 1600m (5:37.36).

Leetonia finished with 21 points, paced by Dylan Johns (3rd in long jump) and Graydon Henderson in the 100m hurdles.

Team Standings

Girls
🥇 Southern – 113
🥈 East Palestine – 53
🥉 Lisbon – 41
🏅 Leetonia – 17

Boys
🥇 East Palestine – 98
🥈 Southern – 63
🥉 Lisbon – 51
🏅 Leetonia – 21

Highlighted Event Winners

  • Girls 100m/200m/Long Jump: Kiah Sloan (Southern)
  • Girls Shot Put/Discus: Maddy Jones (Southern)
  • Girls Hurdles: McKenna Paperella (East Palestine)
  • Girls 400m/800m: Caty Brewer (Southern)
  • Girls High Jump: Brooklyn Kline (David Anderson)
  • Boys 100m/200m/Long Jump: Richie Sloan (Southern)
  • Boys 400m: Braxton Sloan (Southern)
  • Boys 1600m/3200m: Logan Mccartney (Southern), Kolt Cappitti (David Anderson)
  • Boys High Jump: Isaac Cozza (East Palestine)
  • Boys Shot Put: Ashton Hinchliffe (David Anderson)
  • Boys Discus: Brock Kleinknecht (East Palestine)

Next up, these teams look to build off early-season momentum as they prepare for larger meets later in April.