Lakota West senior plans a sprint to finish

Gehring hopes his speed will make him a factor in the Division I boys race.

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By Mike Burcham, Staff Writer 1:16 AM Friday, November 6, 2009

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Making his third straight appearance at the Division I state cross country meet has some advantages for Lakota West senior Aaron Gehring.

“It’s good to know the course,” Gehring said of Scioto Downs racetrack in Columbus. “I know the hard parts and when I can push myself.”

One of the places Gehring pushes himself is at the end of the race, when points and places are up for grabs.

“My strength is my kick at the end,” he said. “Some guys stagger over the finish line. I flat out sprint the last 100 to 200 meters.”

Last year Gehring placed 28th at the state meet. He hopes his final race there is better.

“He’s got good foot speed,” Lakota West coach Craig Myers said. “He is going to be in the hunt at the end, and that is where he has been pulling away.”

In his final prep race, Gehring has a chance to be All-Ohio (top 25) and possibly make the podium (top 16).

“My expectation is to do better than (last year),” Gehring said. “It’s a hard course, and I want to know that I did my best.”

Gehring has drawn some interest from the University of Cincinnati and Toledo, but has yet to make a decision about where he’ll go to college next year. He would like to continue running while studying pharmacy.

Shelby back to state

West sophomore Amanda Shelby had only two days of practice before the regional meet as a result of a blister on her foot. She still qualified for her second state meet.

“She is very strong willed and had a great race,” Myers said. “She practiced regularly this week and has a year of experience. She wants to be all-Ohio.”

Badin duo, East freshman qualify

Badin senior Brent Fritz and junior Evan North will compete in the D-III boys race. It’s the third straight trip to state for Fritz and North, both of whom were members of the Rams’ state-qualifying team the past two years in D-II.

Lakota East freshman Alaina Norman will run in the D-I girls race.

State Cross Country  

Championships

Where: Scioto Downs Racetrack, Columbus

When: Saturday

Schedule: D-III Girls (11:05 a.m.), D-II Girls (11:50 a.m.), D-I Girls (12:35 p.m.); D-III Boys (1:20 p.m.); D-II boys (2:05 p.m.); D-I boys (2:50 p.m.)

Admission: $9

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