COLUMBUS — Three events. Three medals.
Twin Valley South’s contingent of Mylan Crews, Madison Johnson, Sidney Mowell and Grace Stewart, all left the 43rd Annual OHSAA Girls State Track and Field Tournament Saturday, June 3, having reached the podium and brought home hardware.
Crews had the busiest day among the Panthers, taking part in three events.
She placed sixth in the 100-meters in a time of 12.68 seconds and was eighth in the 200 with a time of 25.98.
She was also part of the 4×100 relay team which finished eighth in 51.30 and featured Johnson, Mowell and Stewart.
“This weekend has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Crews said moments after collecting her third medal of the day. “I’ve dreamed about being her since my mom was in high school, watching her run. It’s been great.”
Crews said she had a “great start” in the 100 and her goal was to reach the podium.
“Last year, I didn’t even make it into the finals,” she said. “Not my best (time), but it’s still good.”
The 4×100 relay featured a pair of returning state qualifiers and a pair of first timers.
Crews and Stewart qualified for state the previous year, while Johnson and Mowell were making their first appearances.
“Being able to get on the podium with the group was awesome,” Crews said. “I had my best friend with me, Grace. I’ve been running with her since middle school. We’ve always dreamed about this and to be up their with her is awesome. Then the other two, I love them to death. They’re sophomores. They really did well.”
Crews said she was able to use her previous experience at state to help Mowell and Johnson calm their nerves.
“We told them not to think of it as the state meet,” she said. “Think of it as we are running are usual other meets because that’s how we kind of picture it.”
Despite the advice Johnson said the event was “nerve wracking.”
Johnson, who runs lead off, said she was nervous at first but once she was in the starting blocks everything was fine.
Stewart, who runs the second leg, said she felt relaxed and the handoff to Mowell went without any problems.
“It was amazing. Last year we came here and didn’t even make it to the finals,” Stewart said. “Just having this experience again is huge.”
Mowell, who said she doesn’t like running the curve, said she thought the race went well.
“It’s pretty good,” Mowell said.
The foursome all said they expect to be back next and will be reaching for the top spot on the podium.
In the 200, Crews said the pace was fast.
“It was crazy,” she said. “The girls are ridiculous. To be a part of it and be able to run with those girls is awesome. That was the best competition I’ve ran against my whole entire high school career.”
Crews said earning three medals is something she has been waiting for.
“It feels good,” she said. “I’ve been waiting to have these medals on my chest.”
She noted she plans to add more next year.
“Next year, my goal is to get higher on the podium,” she added.
