Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
After having major success at the Division V Fostoria regional championship, King Wilson Jr. of Cardinal Stritch Catholic High School will compete in the 400-meter dash, 200-meter dash and the long jump at the OHSAA State Track & Field Championship this week in Columbus at Jesse Owens Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University.
Not only did Wilson qualify for these events, he had the top time in the entire state among all three regional championships in the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.17 seconds. Wilson earned himself a new personal record and bested the previous time of Cardinal Stritch’s Brandon Toler, who was a state champion in the 400-meter dash in 2001.
“It really means a lot,” Wilson said in regard to his accomplishments as a track athlete. “I just can’t thank anything more but the man above for giving me this opportunity.”
To celebrate his athletic accomplishments, Stritch hosted a send-off for Wilson on Wednesday. Along with head coach Chris Lau, many of his classmates, faculty and community members gathered to show their support.
Lau said that Wilson’s determination to win is what sets him apart from other athletes.
“His work ethic is beyond anything I’ve seen at the high school level,” Lau said. “He understands what it is like to try and become a state champion, I know what that’s like, and I’m able to push him.”
Wilson will compete today in all three events, including the long jump at 1 p.m., the 400-meter dash prelims at 6 p.m. and the 200-meter dash prelims at 6:35 p.m. The finals of the 200 and 400 are slated for Friday. Stay tuned to PressPublications.com for live reports.
Because of the timing of those events, Lau said Wilson’s devotion is especially unique.
“It takes an athlete that has commitment, preparation and mental toughness to be able to run the 400 and turn around 20 minutes later and run the 200,” said Lau. “There are very few athletes that are doing that at the state level, and I think that’s important to express.”
After his time at Stritch, Wilson plans to attend Otterbein University where he will compete for their track and field team. Wilson said that his competition is internal, and he will carry this mindset into his future endeavors.
“All I can take with me is that I really don’t need anybody, it’s always me versus me and I can just push myself to the limit,” Wilson said.
Wilson is looking forward to competing at the state tournament, and said that bringing home a title would be meaningful for him.
“It’d just be a blessing,” said Wilson.
