Columbus North will try for its first boys track sectional championship since 2014 today when it hosts a 12-team field beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Center Grove, which has won the North Sectional the past three years, is the favorite again — but not by as much as in previous years. Based on seed times and distances, the Bull Dogs are within 10 points of the Trojans.
“I think we have a shot,” North coach Lou Sipe said. “If the boys compete like they can, I think we have as good a shot as anybody to win that title. I’m excited for that opportunity, and I know the boys are excited to compete.”
The Bull Dogs have three No. 1 seeds, including seniors Brigham Kleinhenz in the pole vault and Charlie Allen in the 3,200 meters. North’s 4×100 relay team also is a top seed.
Columbus East has two No. 1 seeds with senior Zarrien Johnson-Bey in the high jump and junior Cody Horner in the 100.
Jet wins Crawley Award
Hauser senior Sarah Tedder is one of 37 seniors, including 13 girls basketball players, to win a Marion Crawley Award.
The award is named after the former Washington and Lafayette Jeff boys basketball coach who won 644 games and four state titles and comes with a $750 scholarship. Criteria for the Crawley Scholarship includes achievement in basketball and academics, participation in extracurricular activities and service to school and community.
Tedder has been a three-sport athlete for the Jets. She helped lead Hauser to a Class A state runner-up finish in volleyball and has been a starter in basketball and tennis, as well.
Crusaders to host state
Columbus Christian will host the ICSAA baseball and softball state tournament Saturday at Southside Elementary.
The Crusader baseball team will play Traders Point Christian at 9 a.m., and Victory Christian and Suburban Christian will follow at 11 a.m. The consolation game is at 1 p.m. and the championship game at 3 p.m.
Columbus Christian’s softball team will play Traders Point Christian at 9 a.m. and Victory Christian at 11 a.m. Traders Point will play Victory Christian at 1 p.m. and the top two teams will meet for the championship at 3 p.m.
North to hold signing day
Columbus North will have its final signing ceremony of the school year at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the athletics conference room.
Gabe Hutton plans to sign to play football at Anderson. Arig Tong will sign to run cross-country and track at Hanover.
Gala set for June 6
New Indiana University wrestling coach Angel Escobedo will be the keynote speaker at the Second Republic Awards Gala, which will take place on June 6 at The Commons.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the speaker and awards at 6:30 p.m.
The Republic Athletes of the Year in all 20 sports will be honored. Awards will be presented to the top overall senior male and female athletes in Bartholomew County, as well as the Josh Speidel Spirit Award, which is presented to an athlete who has overcome big challenges.
Last year’s Male and Female Athletes of the Year were Columbus North’s Mitchell Burton and Columbus East’s Cortney VanLiew. Columbus Christian’s Levi Sallee won the Speidel Award.
Tickets are $25 and are available at The Republic office, 2980 N. National Rd., through May 25.
