Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS - Though it was mispronounced through the public address system, Julie Seiss' name may become commonplace at the state track finals.
As if she hasn't all year, the Warsaw standout freshman certainly made a name for herself Saturday evening at IUPUI's Carroll Stadium in Indianapolis.
The only freshman in the fast heat of the 800-meter run, Seiss ran a time of 2:15.13 and finished fourth in the state.
The next non-junior or senior to cross the line was Danville sophomore Wendi Robinson, who finished 15th in a time of 2:20.69.
"I was really happy with the 800," Seiss said. "All of the girls in front of me were older, and one of them broke the state record."
Lawrence North junior Temeka Kincy won the state title in a record-time of 2:09.82, followed by Chesterton junior Cassie Peller (2:13.26) and Carroll senior Amanda Ponsot (2:14.65). Plymouth senior Morgan Uceny, last year's state champion, finished fifth in a time 2:15.18.
Having not lost all year, including setting records in numerous meets, Seiss also competed in the high jump competition, though she came away with what she called a disapointing finish.
Seiss cleared 5-2, the opening height, on her second attempt but then failed on all three attempts at 5-4.
She finished in an 11-way tie for 16th.
"I was pretty disapointed, I know I can do better," Seiss said. "I like to get in couple jumps before I get going, I just didn't jump well today. It ws hot out and I was feeling it."
Warren Central junior Mariesa Greene won the event with a jump of 5-9, followed by Fort Wayne South senior Katrina Kelley at 5-8 anmd Warren Central senior Santia Spight at 5-7.
Also competing in the meet's final event, Seiss teammed up with seniors Claire Beckett and Rachel Rondeau and junior Jaclyn Leininger in the 1600 relay.
The Tiger foursome ran a time of 4:00.41 to finish 16th. Their time at state was six seconds faster than their runner-up time at last week's Bremen Regional.
The only other local to land a podium finish - a finish in the top nine - was Wawasee sophomore Rachel Stichter.
Stichter finished ninth in the 1600 with a time of 5:10.01. She also ran the 3200, finishing in 11th with a time of 11:10.56.
After advancing to state with a unique runoff at the Bremen Regional, Tippecanoe Valley's 400 relay team of sophomores Kara Kramer, Lindsay Wiley, Amanda Wiley and Heather Rathbun finished 25th with a time of 51.46 seconds.
Though it came down to the meet's final event, Fort Wayne Northrop picked up its record-setting fourth consecutive team state championship.
The Bruins scored 93 points to take the title, breaking the record for points scored, set by Gary Wallace in 1993 with 70.
Warren Central finished as the runner-up with 85 points, followed by Carmel (36), Lafayette Jeff (33), Lawrence North (31), Fort Wayne Concordia (29), Chesterton (28), Westfield (26), Muncie Central (20.5) and North Putnam (15) in the top 10.
Warsaw finished 28th in the team standings with six points, while Wawasee was 59th with one point.
