Scioto County Athletes Shine at State Track Championships

COLUMBUS — The 2026 OHSAA Track and Field State Championship Meet proved incredibly successful for athletes from Scioto County, particularly during the final two days of competition. A total of seven competitors from the region were honored with All-Ohio titles, showcasing their exceptional talents. Among the standout performers were South Webster's Braden Mantell, West's Keagan Salem, and Wheelersburg's Ella Hochstetler, Kenyon Evans, Ison Emnett, Cashton Adkins, and Hunter Lawson.

On Day 2, Ella Hochstetler of Wheelersburg achieved her second All-Ohio title of the season in the shot put. After winning the Division IV State Championship just hours earlier, she secured third place with a throw of 42 feet and half an inch. "I wanted to forget about what happened (on Thursday), even if it was the best thing in the world," Hochstetler remarked. Her performance marks a significant improvement from last year when she finished 17th at the Division II State Championships.

Braden Mantell from South Webster concluded his distance running career on a high note, finishing fifth in the boys 1,600 meter run with a personal-best time of 4:21.90. Mantell, who led early in the race, expressed satisfaction with his effort, stating, "I gave it all I had." His achievement added to a remarkable week for South Webster, as their 4-by-800 relay team also made its first state appearance in nearly two decades.

Meanwhile, Keagan Salem, a sophomore from West, surprised many by finishing sixth in the 300 meter hurdles, an event he had only recently taken up. "It's a huge deal," Salem said, acknowledging the hard work he put into mastering the race. He finished with a time of 40.47 seconds, edging out competitors from other schools. Looking ahead, Salem is eager to return to the state meet in the coming years.

The Wheelersburg boys track team also put forth strong performances, contributing to Scioto County's impressive showing at the state meet. Overall, the championships highlighted the rising talent and determination of local athletes.