Warren JFK 4x200 champion at state

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Maplewood's Andy Arnio capped his high school career by placing second in the 3200.

By JOE SCALZO

VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF

COLUMBUS — As he watched teammate Jared Province pull away during the final leg of the 4x200-meter relay, Warren JFK High senior Kris Richardson threw down his cup of water near the finish line and yelled, "That's what I'm talking about, baby!"

One year after finishing fourth in the event in a disappointing state meet, and six months after coming up short in the Division V state championship game, the Eagles were champions.

And it was only fitting that Province, whose false start ended the Eagles' title hopes in last year's 4x100 relay, finished it off.

"You never say you've got it — they've got some great runners here and you never doubt anyone," said Province, a running back on the football team. "Once I got to the home stretch, I knew I couldn't give up. I had to keep pushing to help get us on top."

Emerged

The Eagles were in the middle of the pack after junior Patrick Murphy and Richardson ran their opening legs, then senior Dan Hull opened the lead on the third leg and Province never let it go. They finished in 1 minute, 29.84 seconds.

"That was awesome," said Hull, a Miami (Ohio) recruit who also placed third in the 400 and anchored the fourth-place 4x400 relay. "It's a tribute to the whole team. You don't win without hard work and good coaching."

Richardson placed fifth in the 200 (22.85) and Michael Perisa placed eighth in the 800 (1:58.79) as the Eagles finished an area-best fifth in the Division III team standings.

Maplewood senior Andy Arnio capped his high school career by placing second in the 3200 (9:22.54). Arnio won the event two years ago, placed second as a freshman and third last year. He's also won an individual state cross country title and two teams titles.

He almost finished his career on top of the podium, taking the lead on the final lap before Dayton Christian junior Walter Luttrell regained the lead and pulled away down the stretch.

Legs like rubber

"It was my plan to get ahead of him and try to break him, but I couldn't," said Arnio. "I didn't think I could outkick him. My legs felt like rubber at the end."

His senior teammate, Andy Morgan, placed third in the 1600 (4:20.09) and tried to run the 3200, but stopped after four laps. Their distance running prowess has earned the "Andys" a strong reputation statewide.

"It's been a great four years of cross country and track," said Arnio, who will run at Ohio State. "It's been a blast, but now I'm getting ready for bigger and better things."

McDonald had a typically solid weekend, finishing seventh in the 4x400 relay to go with a fourth-place finish in the 800 by Thomas Holland.

scalzo@vindy.com

Sunday, June 3, 2007