by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Columbus -- It had been years since Nordonia boys track team had any presence at the state track meet.

According to Knights coach Ron Gura, the fact the Knights had two athletes competing in Columbus this year was a big deal, regardless of where they placed.

Sophomore John Spooney and senior Alex Davis each finished off the podium at the Division I state track meet, which took place June 6 and 7 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Davis competed in two events at states and was thought to have a chance to earn All-Ohio honors in the high jump and long jump.

Davis began his day June 7 in the long jump. After fouling on his first attempt, Davis put out a leap of 21-feet-8.25. That was as good as Davis got, however, as he finished outside the final round in 12th place.

Gura said he knew Davis would have to improve on his personal best of 21-feet-11 to reach the podium.

"We knew it would take 22 feet to reach All-Ohio," Gura said. "The competition down here is just so good."

Heading into the high jump, Gura said Davis could finish anywhere "from on the podium to last." The latter turned out to be accurate, as Davis managed to clear 6-foot-2 and finish in 15th place.

"He jumped 6-foot-6 at regionals and that was a new [personal record] by four inches," Gura said.

"I was pretty surprised with my high jump last week," Davis said. "I'm happy I got down here. That was the goal all season."

Davis said will play football this fall at Iowa Wesleyan University.

After running the race of his life the previous week in the 200-meter dash, Spooney ended up taking eighth place in his semifinal heat June 6. He finished with a time of 23.32 seconds.

"With John only being a sophomore, he will learn from this for next year," Gura said. "He knows what it will take to get on the podium next time."

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113