Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

COLUMBUS — It was quite a learning experience.
Chesapeake Lady Panthers’ sophomore distance runner Kelsie Hegemeyer got quite a learning experience as she participated in her first state track meet.
Hegemeyer ran a 5:26.99 time to place 16th in the 1600-meter run at the Division III state track meet on Saturday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium on the campus of Ohio State University.
Sophomore Emma Watcke of Minster won the event with a time of 5:00.15 while senior Emily Sreenan of Lima Central Catholic was runner-up with a time of 5:04.92.
The top eight runners finished under 5:10 for the race. Less than 39 seconds separated the 18 runners.
Hegemeyer ran a 5:27.21 in the regional meet to finish fourth. Both her state and regional times were better than her district clocking of 5:54.52 as she finished second in the district meet.