The top four placers in each event qualified for the state meet in Columbus at Jesse Owens Stadium on June 5-6.
Furman’s best event is the 100-meter dash. She had finished fifth in the region the last two years, finishing 0.13 and 0.11 of a second away from the state meet each time.
This year, Furman placed seventh in the 100 in 12.68, and thought her season was over. She’s struggled with a hip flexor injury in her right leg the entire season.
When she left the long jump to compete in the 100, Furman thought someone would surpass her for fourth place.
“I was upset after the 100, then (Rams coach Tim Aronhalt) told me I was still in fourth in the long jump,” Furman said. “I started crying because I was so happy.”
Furman said it was definitely a surprise to qualify in the long jump.
“I know my old distances wouldn’t have gotten me here,” Furman said. “Lately, my jumps have been executed better. I’m just really excited.”
Graham’s Alex Taylor was fourth in the 300-meter hurdles in a school record time of 46.46. She ran the race from Lane 8 after a tough preliminary race on Thursday and used her performance as motivation.
“I’m really excited,” Taylor said. “I wasn’t prepared to be in Lane 8, but I prepared myself the last day to get myself out of that funk and run the race I can run.”
Taylor advanced to the state last season, finishing 13th overall. She’s hoping to peak at exactly the right time.
“I just want to run my next PR,” Taylor said. “I just want to run well and end on a good note. I’m happy I qualified because next week you start from scratch again.”
Urbana’s Emily Adair was fifth in the shot put (36-2¾).
Greeneview’s Ellen Frescoln was seventh (34-8½), while Northwestern’s Chelsey Ball was 11th (32-5¼).
The Hillclimbers’ Kaley Moss finished sixth in the 300 hurdles (47.48) and seventh in the pole vault (9-3).
Urbana’s Emmy Runyan was seventh in the long jump (16-10).
Greenon’s MacKenzie McMillin placed eighth in the 800 (2:23.15). Shawnee’s Kenzie Detrick was 14th (2:38.52).
Northwestern’s Chloe West was eighth in the 100 (13.00).
The Warriors’ Mallory Kitts was eighth in the 3,200 (12:12.10), while the Knights’ Megan Ball was 12th (12:44.03).
Northeastern’s Molly King was ninth in the 1,600 (5:47.43).
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