Sibila edges out Rettig for new district record

By Carol McIntire

Editor

Ricky Sibila, II and Coach Mike Aukerman had a goal and a plan to reach that goal heading into the Division II district track meet Friday at West Holmes.

The Carrollton junior and his coach had their sights set on a win in the 3200M, a new district record and had a plan in place to achieve it. 

Minerva junior Grasyn Rettig had a plan as well – to win the race.

That set the stage for two elite athletes to leave everything they had on the track in a grueling match race that came down to wire.

Rettig set the pace early and each time Sibila pulled out to pass in the quick pace, he would kick in another gear and maintain the lead almost like a game of cat and mouse. Sibila tucked back in behind the leader several times and maintained the pace. 

When the pair headed into the turn for the final lap, Aukerman was on the sideline yelling to his runner to kick it in.  Rettig remained in the lead until about the last 25 meters when Sibila took a step to the inside, leaned forward slightly and took the lead, crossing the finish line first in a record setting time of 9:36.05. Rettig fell to the track as he crossed the line, exhausted, also in record time of 9:36.46. Sibila ran the last 400 meters in a blistering fast 62 seconds. 

“It was a very aggressive race,” Aukerman said following the win. “Ricky has finished strong all year and always seems to have that extra gear when needed. He really wanted to win and set the district record. He was pumped!

The duo is looking forward to this weekend at the regional meet at Muskingum University with their sites set on the state track meet at Dayton the following weekend.

“We think Ricky can be under 9:30 his last two races,” Aukerman said, adding the goal is to earn a spot on the podium at Dayton. “We have to take care of business first at Muskingum Saturday.”

He compared Sibila to another Warrior distance runner, Cole Lovett, who won a state championship in 2017 under Aukerman’s leadership.

“I just know it comes down to the last 100 meters, I’m doubling down on Ricky. He reminds me a lot of Cole; the drive to do whatever it takes at the end is there.”

Sibila and Rettig will both compete at Muskingum Saturday in the 3200M as the top four in each event advance to regional competition.

On the girls side, sophomore Kyleigh Lippincott picked up two wins and a  second. She won the 100M (13.08), 200M (26.68) and placed second in the 400M (1:00.40).

Minerva sophomore Gabby Lupshu picked up a win in the 3200M (11:23.71) and the Lions 4400 relay posted a time of 4:25.80 to take the win. 

Other regional qualifiers include:

Boys 

Minerva: Nate Green, fourth, 200M (23.3); Owen Yoder, fourth 800M (2:03.48); Rowen Hoffee, second, 1,600M (4:31.81): Mason Steele, fourth, 1,600M (4:33.55); Xander Mueller, fourth, 300 hurdles (42.42);4x 200 relay team, second (1:34.66); 4×800 relay team, fourth (3:36.48); and Devon Patterson, third, discus (144.0).

Sandy Valley: Lukas Gilland, second, 100M (11.23) and Jason Morris, second, long jump (20 feet, 8.5 inches), 4×100 relay team, fourth (45.18).

Edison: Matt Evans, third, 110 hurdles (16.17).

Girls

Carrollton: Marleigh Osolin, second, 100M (13.13); Kylie Ujcich, fourth, 3200M (11:57.38); 4×100 relay team, second (52,38); 4×400 relay team, fourth (4:21.11).

Minerva: Hannah Foor, fourth, 400M (1:02.69); Annabelle Crissman, third 800M (2:27.40); Kayla Crissman, fourth, 800M (2:27.64) and third, 1600M (5:25.69) ; Hannah Ison, second, 1600M (5:16.57); Katie Ison, second, 3200M (11:29.14); Julia Costea, second, discus (106.10) and second, shot put, 34.0.25) and Autumn Thompson, fourth, discus (104.10).

Edison: Leila Cable, fourth, 300 hurdles (52.07); and Lacie Pelley, fourth, high jump (4-8).

Aukerman noted the Carrollton girls 4×100 relay team ran a faster time this year than their winning district time from a year ago. 

“This is a very young group that is coming together,” he said of the team of Osolin, Izzy Nuzzolillo, Brae Roudebush and Emma Shafer

“Marleigh is unbelievable out of the blocks and leads most 100s through 50 meters.”