Mandi Boykin was being pushed by everyone and everything.

The Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers sophomore speedster not only had to battle opponents, but a fast time schedule that didn't allow her much of a rest period between races.

But Boykin's stamina held up as she qualified in three events for the Division III state track meet after winning two events and placing in another at Friday's regional meet in Byesville.

Boykin battled to win the 100-meter dash and then moments later ran the anchor leg of the 4×200 relay team which placed fourth.

The top four places qualify for the state meet.

"The girls were right there (in the 100-meter dash). I thought they were going to get me. I had to push myself hard, so I was tired (for the 4×200 relay)," Boykin said.

Boykin won the 100-meter dash with a 12.43 clocking. Right behind was Megan Searcy of Urhichville Claymont at 12.51 and South Point's Sara Lee was third at 12.73 seconds.

"The 100 is my favorite race. That's the one I wanted to go (to the state) in," Boykin said.

Ironton's Jessica Waddle was edged out for a state berth in the event as she placed fifth at 12.78 seconds. Dennale Speakman of Unioto was fourth at 12.77 seconds.

Boykin, who set a track record in the preliminaries with a 25.78 time, won the 200-meter dash with a time of 25.84 seconds.

Waddle did advance in two other events, the 200-meter dash and the 4×200 relay. Waddle was third in the 200 (26.20).

Ironton's 4×200 relay team of Megan Crockrel, Ciara Taylor, Waddle and Boykin was fourth with a 1:47.63 clocking.

"I just wanted to get in the top four and get out (to the state meet)" Boykin said.

Taylor was sixth in the 400-meter dash with a 1.02.7 time.

Lee, who went to the state meet last year in the long jump, qualified in three events this time.

Besides the 100-meter dash, Lee was third in the long jump at 16-11.5 and fourth in the 200-meter dash with a 26.34

time.

South Point sophomore Chris Smith will be doing a double take at the state meet.

Smith, who qualified Wednesday in the discus at 159-11, was fourth in the shot put with a heave of 52-4.5.

"This is a lot better than last year," said Smith who fouled on all three of his throws last season.

Rock Hill's Jason Massie was third in the 200-meter dash at 22.72 seconds to reach the state meet. He just missed in the 100-meter dash as he placed fifth at 11.36 seconds.

Ironton freshman Marc Carter just missed a trip to the state meet in the 400-meter dash. Carter had a 51.06 time and was right behind Matthew Lilly of Belpre who ran a 50.96.

Fairland's Brittany Brunty was eighth in the 800-meter run with a 2:26.97 time.

Teammate Bethany Barbour was fifth in the discus at 109-7 and sixth in the shot put with a distance of 35-1.5.

In the Division III regional meet at Pickerington North High School, only one local track standout extended his season.

Chesapeake junior Brent Ransbottom cleared 6-foot-6 to easily win the high jump and earn a berth in the state meet.

The runner-up was Shane McLaughlin of Caldwell who had a height of 6-2.

The Panthers Aaron Ross was eighth in the pole vault at 11-feet while Jeff Thornburg was fifth in the 110-meter hurdles (15.49 seconds) and eighth in the 300 low hurdles (42.44). Brad Simmons was eighth in the long jump at 19-2.25.

Coal Grove's Randy Pemberton was seventh and Tyler Branch eighth in the discus. Pemberton threw 142-5 and Branch 140-5.