Regional Track Preview: Pleasant's Hudson Warner has plans in long jump, 110 hurdles

WESTERVILLE — Hudson Warner has a plan for this week.

"It’s going to be drill work and regular preparation, just making sure I’m taking care of my body," the Pleasant senior said. "It’s drill work going over hurdles and getting my steps on point for long jump and trying to weed out all the little mistakes."

More track: Mount Gilead makes it a three-peat at Saturday's district track and field championships

Check it out: Vote in the next-to-last Marion Star Best of the Week Performer Polls

Warner is a two-event regional qualifier in Division III this week. He made the boys long jump field by finishing second at the Westerville North district meet, leaping 21 feet, 4.5 inches. He also advanced to the Heath High School regional by winning the district 110-meter hurdles race in 16.26 seconds.

I just got to relax and try not to overthink it. My thought is to come and have fun," he said.

The long jump regional finals are set for Wednesday at 4 p.m., while the hurdles prelims will be Wednesday as well. The regional finals for the 110s are set for Friday just after 5:30 p.m.

As a sophomore, Warner made the Division II regional at Lexington and finished 12th in the 110 hurdles prelims with a 16.25.

Last year the Spartans moved down to Division III and Warner qualified for the regional finals in the 110s where he finished sixth in 15.91. He was also 14th in the long jump at 19-7.5.

"I learned that I had to do better," he said. "I came into this track season with a little better mindset, that’s for sure. I always had that chance from sophomore year, but I never did it. I just have to come in with a mindset that I can do it, so that’s what I’m pushing for."

Making it state is every athlete's goal so Warner is no different. But being a senior, he knows this is his last shot.

"Knowing this could have been my last meet is some pressure," Warner said of the district experience on Saturday. "Goals. I want to make state. I didn’t get to make state last year. That’s the highest goal is to at least make it (to state). Once I hit that goal, obviously place. For now, state is the goal in the back of my brain."

rmccurdy@gannett.com

419-610-0998

X @McMotorsport

Instagram @rob_mccurdy_star

This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Regional Track Preview: Pleasant's Hudson Warner has plans in long jump, 110 hurdles