The first day of track and field action at the state meet brought about several trips to the podium for area athletes including some state champions.
Delta' Korbin Smith leaped 22-2 3/4 to win the long jump by 1 1/2 inches. Ryan Fleck of Napoleon placed fifth in the event at 21-6 1/2.
The other state champion from the area was Columbus Grove's Heath Nickles who set a Division III State Meet record by clearing 16-1 1/2. He also took three attempts at the all division record but was unable to clear 16-4 1/2.
Ottawa-Glandorf and Defiance finished fourth and fifth in the opening event for Division II runners.
Other state placers from Friday included Paulding's Tiffany Razo who set a career best in the high jump at 5-6, which also gave her the third spot on the podium. Haley Nofziger set a school record in the long jump and finished second with a leap of 17-3 1/2. Liberty-Center's Chad McClory (third in the discus), Ayersville's Mykel Wireman (fifth in long jump), Ottoville's 3200 relay team and Napoleon's Sara Weaver (seventh in discus) also made their way to the podium.
Check out Sunday's Crescent News for the final wrap up on Division II and III action at Columbus.