Swanton’s Smith sets high jump standard at regional meet

Swanton's Julia Smith, shown celebrating after a jump at last year's state track meet, set a regional record in the high jump Friday in Tiffin.

TIFFIN — It was one of the last leaps of Julia Smith’s high jump career.

The Swanton senior made it count and broke a two-decade old record in the process. 

Smith leaped 5 feet, 8 inches to take the high jump event during Division III regionals Friday at Tiffin Columbian. She set a new Division III record in the process. The previous mark, 5-7, was set in 1998 by former Ottawa Hills standout Bridgett Kozy. 

It was not enough for Swanton to catch Liberty-Benton. The Bulldogs ended up in second place with 46 points, but Liberty-Benton swept to 62 points and the regional championship. The Eagles won the regional title despite not winning any events amidst a tough field. 

Swanton also picked up a regional title from Sidney Taylor in discus, as Taylor threw 124-6 to finish first. 

The boys competition was a lot closer, as Liberty-Benton edged Ashland Crestview 58-57 to take the boys championship. Colonel Crawford was in third with 44 points. 

The Eagles’ 400 relay team of Will Poling, Eli Heaster, Marshall Rose, and Austin May clocked 43.67 for the title, nearly a half-second ahead of Elmwood. 

The top four finishers in each event advanced to the state finals, which take place next weekend at Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Stadium.