'Let's go run': Hoover's Amahrie Harsh rallies in 400, wins four regional track titles

• Hoover's Amahrie Harsh won four postseason events for the second straight week at Friday's regional meet.
• Harsh swept the sprints and ran on the Vikings' winning 800 relay.
• Lake distance runner Daniela Scheffler swept the 1,600 and 3,200.

AUSTINTOWN — Another 4-for-4 night for Amahrie Harsh appeared in jeopardy.

In fact, the Hoover senior wasn't even guaranteed a state berth in the girls 400 going into the final turn Friday night. Victory itself was looking out of the question.

My, did things change in almost a blink of an eye.

Harsh found another gear and won the 400 in a personal-best 55.36 seconds at the Austintown Fitch Division I regional meet. She added a victory in the 200 to complete another four-win meet in the postseason.

How did Harsh pull out the 400?

"Everyone has been asking me that question," Harsh said. "Before I started I was a little nauseous. I didn't get to eat as much today. ... I was like 'Alright, just run smart and don't kill yourself.'

"I was a little behind the other girls when I started. They weren't too far away. I didn't want them to get too far ahead and told myself to stay with them the whole time.

"The turn carried me. With 50 meters left, I had a little bit of energy. I was like 'Let's go run and see what happens.'"

Harsh has never won yet on Ohio high school track and field's biggest stage. In addition to 200 and 400, she will compete at the state meet in the 100 and as a member of Hoover's 800 relay with Savannah Tindell, Lexi Wims and Peyton Waldorff. She won the 100 and anchored the winning relay Friday.

"My confidence level is tremendous compared to last year," Harsh said.

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Distance sweep for Lake's Daniela Scheffler

The late afternoon heat never took its toll on Daniela Scheffler during her first race. After it cooled off, the Lake distance runner was ready to finish her sweep.

Scheffler won her first regional title in the 1,600 and repeated as regional champion in the 3,200. She finished fifth in the 3,200 at the 2023 state meet.

"I really got a run for my money in both races," Scheffler said. " ... I was pretty sure I could do it. Executing the plan just feels so good."

Louisville's Kylah Myer will race with Scheffler next week in Dayton. She finished third in the 1,600 and 3,200. As a freshman last year, Meyer finished 12th in the 3,200 at state.

Trinity Lamp, Sloane Sypolt, Gabby Whalen win OHSAA regional titles

Here are some other notable girls highlights from the final day of the meet.

• Louisville's Sloane Sypolt set a school record in winning the discus. Her top throw was 138 feet, 1 inch. Sypolt will also compete in the shot put at state.
• Gabby Whalen's first high school season will end at state. The Jackson freshman cleared a personal-best 12-4 to win the pole vault.
• Massillon's Trinity Lamp is heading to state for the first time. She won her first regional title in the 100 hurdles in 14.60 seconds.

Reach Mike at mike.popovich@cantonrep.com

On X: @mpopovichREP