Kanney earns two more All-Ohio finishes

COLUMBUS - Records. Too many titles to count. Not many can match the running career of Coldwater's Sarah Kanney.

The Cavalier distance ace didn't get the picture-perfect ending on top of the podium that she wanted at Saturday's Division II state meet at Jesse Owens Stadium Columbus but it was still a very good ending.

Kanney became a four-time All-Ohioan in the 1,600 with a third-place finish in a time of 5:03.18, the second straight season she finished in that spot. Kanney ran her final 3,200 race later on and placed seventh (11:13.94).

"It is a little disappointing but I think I gave a good effort day in, day out," Kanney said. "I'm just thankful for my four years I've had here. I've made a lot of memories, and I mean, today wasn't my day, but those days work you up for your best days. I'm happy with how I did, how my teammates did, how the other girls did, because I know they all work really hard, and I think that keeps you hungry."

Lexington junior Dominique Clairmonte won both races in which Kanney competed, taking the 3,200 title in 10:50.09 and the 1,600 in 4:53.08.

Kanney, a two-time 1,600 champion, will continue her running career at North Carolina State University next year.

"I'm not going to look back and be disappointed because I've had a lot of fun throughout my career at Coldwater, and I'm thankful for it," Kanney concluded.

Coldwater's Dan Seas earned the final qualifying spot for state in the 3,200 at the Division II regional.

And while some opposition might have looked at Seas's qualifying time and brushed off the notion of him being a threat, he had a firm belief in himself.

"I knew I had a shot at the top five, so I didn't let regionals get to me," the Cavalier junior said.

Seas placed third overall in a time of 9:28.88, finishing behind Wyoming's Ben Stites (first, 9:25.09) and Valley View's Kyle Bussard (second, 9:27.31), both of whom came from the Dayton region.

The third time at state was the charm for Seas, who picked up personal bests in finish and time on Saturday.

"I think it really means a lot for my family because we just like coming here every year, either competing or just watching the race. It's just fun to take part (in) it," he said.

Coldwater senior Lauren Leugers entered the shot put competition with the 14th best mark out of 16 people.

That stat really didn't matter to her.

Leugers, making her first appearance at the state meet, finished eighth with a throw of 39-8 3/4.

"I wasn't really that nervous coming into today, but once I stepped in the circle I started feeling it," Leugers said. "I've never been here. It wasn't my best but it wasn't too bad. I met all my goals for the year."

The dream senior season came to an end with a ninth-place finish in the pole vault (11-6). Kristen Denk of North Royalton set a new state record by clearing 13-6.

Carr was vying for her second All-Ohioan honor in the pole vault. She competed in three events over the weekend, including the 100-and-300-hurdles.

Her final state meet resume includes five All-Ohio honors and second-place finish in the long jump as a sophomore. Additionally, she was a member of four-straight Western Buckeye League titles for the Bulldogs.