PDT Sports Writers

COLUMBUS — Scioto and Pike Counties combined to send three athletes to Saturday’s second day of the OHSAA State Track and Field Meet at Ohio State’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

The following is a recap of how the athletes fared in their events:

Gullion knocked out of Division II High Jump Prelims

Kenton Gullion experienced the thrill of competing at the state championship level.

The Minford sophomore cleared six feet even during his attempt in the Division II high jump event.

“It was a good experience,” Gullion said. “I’m just happy to be here … I didn’t really have any expectations coming in.”

Gullion cleared 6-03 during the regional competition.

“I was hoping for the same (result) or improvement,” Minford Head Coach Jesse Ruby said. “He did well clearing 6-00 all year.”

According to Ruby, Gullion has the potential to be a big-time athlete over his final two seasons with the Falcons.

“He needs to work on his technique and approach,” Ruby said. “He is an extra hard worker and his dedication will make him a better athlete.”

Dyke ends career with trip in discus

A year after placing sixth in the Division II discus, Waverly senior Dylan Dyke’s attempt to win both throwing events in this year’s meet ended Saturday in the preliminary rounds.

“It wasn’t what we wanted but the sun come up tomorrow and it’s no big deal,” Dyke said.

Dyke’s third and final toss of the morning flew 157-08, which was an increase from his initial throw of 154-10. Unfortunately for Dyke, who won the shot put Friday and will compete in that event for Ohio State, he was not among the nine to move on to finals.

“This one was just to come out and have some fun,” Dyke said.

The weekend, however, did not end for Dyke at the discus. While the OHSAA doesn’t recognize the hammer throw as an official event, Dyke will go Sunday to Ohio Wesleyan University and compete in a USATF Meet.

He will also throw the shot put in next weekend’s Midwest Meet of Champions in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The meet takes the top three seniors from each event from the states of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan and pits them together, regardless of division.

Dixon places eighth, reaches podium

Kane Dixon came to Columbus with one goal in mind; reach the podium.

Dixon’s goal came true in the Division II 800 meter relay as he placed eighth with a time of 1’56.23.

“I was so nervous,” Dixon said. “I knew I wasn’t going to win. I’m just happy to be here.”

The Piketon Sophomore ran a 1’57.41 time in the preliminary event to qualify for the state championship.

“This is amazing, absolutely amazing,” Dixon said.