Mangus 12th in Div III state 3200m run

COLUMBUS — Fairfield junior Michael Mangus competed in his second state running competition this school year Saturday afternoon, finishing 12th in the Division III 2013 OHSAA State Track and Field Championships.

The race, held at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, located on the campus of The Ohio State University, was won at a record-setting pace. Mangus, finishing with a time of 9:54.07, said it was the most competitive race he's ever been a part of.

Mangus, a two-time state cross-country qualifier, held a good pace for his run, racing in ninth for a parts of the race. On the final lap, the junior racer fell back a couple positions. Mangus ran the middle laps of the race uncontested.

Mangus began the 3200m run in the first lane.

"This was a lot faster pace than anything I've ever raced," Mangus said following the race. "I beat some people I didn't beat in my regional, and I'm going to use this as motivation headed into my senior season."

Being the first runner for Fairfield to ever reach the state track and field championships, Mangus paved his way to Columbus by running a time of 9:45.91 at the Lancaster regionals, where he was fourth place. The time at regionals is still currently his personal best time.

At the Southern Hills Athletic Conference Championships, Mangus ran a time of 10:25.3, and a week later, he had a time of 9:59.8 in the district meet at Oak Hill.

Mangus spoke more about his state two-mile run.

"I thought I had a shot at the top eight (Saturday)," he said. "I was sitting in ninth, and a couple guys caught up and went past me. I was close for contention to get that top eight, and like before, I can use that as motivation for next season."

The race was won by Kyle Polman, a senior from Independence with a Division III state record time of 9:12.01. The second-place time was 9:24.37 by Robert Johnson of McDonald. The previous Division III state record was 9:16.29 by Walter Luttrell of Dayton Christian on June 7, 2008.

FHS boys track assistant coach Bill Mangus talked about the race.

"Michael didn't do as well as he expected, but 12th in the state is a heck of an accomplishment," Bill Mangus said. "The race was ran at a record pace, and Michael gained valuable experience (Saturday).

"He will work his way back here next season."

Final results
01 Kyle Polman, 12, Independence, 9:12.01

02 Robert Johnson, 11, McDonald, 9:24.37

03 Tim Nichols, 12, South Range, 9:24.50

04 Cory Glines, 12, St. Thomas Aquinas, 9:29.15

05 Jake Graham, 12, Columbus Grove, 9:29.84

06 Jason Willman, 11, Seneca East, 9:32.85

07 Mason Moore, 10, Sum. Co. Day, 9:33.86

08 Jon Albaugh, 12, New London, 9:35.68

09 Mycah Grandstaff, 10, Con. Crestview, 9:49.65

10 Sam Williamson, 9, Antwerp, 9:52.79

11 Dan Seas, 9, Coldwater, 9:53.55

12 Michael Mangus, 11, Lee. Fairfield, 9:54.07

13 Eric Dahlinghaus, 12, Minster, 9:55.01

14 Kody Wolfe, 12, Rac. Southern, 10:09.47

15 Daniel Burket, 12, Toledo Christian, 10:22.13

16 Eric Duvall, 12, Liberty-Benton, 10:23.48