Troy freshman Lenea Browder sweeps shot put, discus at GWOC meet

Lenea Browder stamped herself as a top postseason contender in the shot put and discus during Wednesday’s first day of the Greater Western Ohio Conference track and field championships at Memorial Stadium. But you wouldn’t know it.

“I was hoping to throw more,” said the Troy freshman after posting the best efforts in the girls shot put and discus. “I’m happy, but I know I can push myself to do more.”

The meet concludes Friday with two events remaining that also will count toward final divisional totals: the 800 meters and 3,200. Most of the divisional team winners were determined after Wednesday’s competition, but it’s possible those two leftover events could affect final results.

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All top placers Wednesday advance to Friday’s GWOC championships, also at Memorial Stadium. Trotwood-Madison (138.5) holds an impressive advantage over Wayne (98) and Troy (92.5) among the boys. Troy (195) has pulled away from other girls contenders; Centerville (118) and Northmont (93) are the closest.

Divisional girls leaders after Wednesday are Troy (GWOC North), Trotwood (South), Centerville (East) and Northmont (West). The divisional boys leaders with two events remaining are Troy (North), Trotwood (South), Wayne (East) and Miamisburg (West).

The divisional winners in each event Wednesday plus the next best six times for running events and distances for field events advance to Friday’s championships.

Browder unloaded a career-best shot put of 41 feet, one inch to beat runner-up Megan Vallo of Centerville (36-11.25). Browder also posted the best discus throw (112-7). She has a goal of surpassing 130 feet.

At a sculpted 5 feet, 7 inches and 170 pounds, Browder more resembles a sprinter than a throws champion. She attributes her strength to twice-weekly weight-lifting sessions that she eagerly attacks. That’s the kind of bench-press prowess that vaulted her brother, Troy senior Josh Browder, among the GWOC rushing leaders last football season. He signed to play at the University of Iowa.

“I’m just glad to see everybody doing good because it keeps my competition up,” Lenea said. “It’s been a really fun season.”

Other Troy overall girls winners were Morgan Gigandet in the 1,600 (5:03.20) and Ashley Barr in the 400 (57.88).

• Trotwood appears to have its strongest boys team since the late Randy Waggoner was the Rams coach. Trotwood had the boys best efforts in the 4x100 relay (42.30) and 4x200 relay (1:29.38) and bunched its sprinters and hurdlers among the top.

• Northmont’s boys took a hit when standout senior sprinter Kameron Gover appeared to strain a leg muscle in the 4x200 relay. The Thunderbolts were among the area’s leaders in the event. Gover was the only athlete to crack 11 seconds in the 100 (10.97). He scratched from the 200.

• Lebanon senior Jordan Campbell placed first in the 400 (49.74) and 200 (22.15) and adding a fourth in the 100 (11.19).

• Springboro’s Kennedy Lewis set a girls meet record in the 100 (12.46). She also was first in the 200 (25.50).

• Beavercreek’s girls swept the 4x800 (9:24.14) and 4x400 (4:07.52) relays.

• The City League track and field meet was postponed from Tuesday to Monday at Dayton’s Welcome Stadium. Varsity and middle schools will compete.

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