Dream come true for S.C. track program

Even as the ribbon was being cut, Brian Kiesel didn't believe it. "I never thought I'd see this day," Kiesel said. "Never. I don't really have the words still, or how to even begin to put it into words … but this is something we've dreamed of forever." For nearly 25 years, the South Central track and field head coach had to question himself when to push or back off of his runners. Watching them walk away from practice gingerly — most with shin splints — made those thoughts even more prevalent. After decades of a gravel track, South Central High School officially opened its new all-weather track surface as part of a complete athletic complex transformation at the school. That also entailed new bleachers and a press box on the home side of the stadium, as well as a concessions stand. The Trojans hosted Monroeville and Plymouth on April 21 in a Firelands Conference tri-meet after a ribbon cutting, which was led by the school's most decorated track and field athlete. The new track has many benefits across the board. But perhaps the biggest: the program no longer has to mock up running lanes and practice in the school parking lot because of the previous gravel track at the stadium. In years past, the runners used the light poles as guides for a starting line and measuring the correct distances. But no more. "It was nice to not have to walk the junior high kids around at our first meet of the year and show them what the lines meant on a real track," Kiesel said. "Our kids actually get to high jump when it rains out. The blacktop in the past was so slick, we couldn't jump. "So having the stadium is just phenomenal, and I can't believe how much more use we can do every day. We can specialize and not do things we had to do before. Physically, we will get the benefits real soon when the weather cooperates." As it did with previous new tracks at Contractors Stadium in Norwalk, as well as Monroeville and Western Reserve, Fisher-Titus Medical Center served as the project's largest donor. "We're proud to help bring this fantastic facility to life, providing students with a state-of-the-art space for the upcoming school year," according to a statement from FTMC. The track is also available for public walking and jogging when not being used by the school and during established open hours. "Fisher-Titus is proud to support this project that benefits health and wellness for South Central students and surrounding communities. We are excited to partner with the school board and athletic department to bring this project to completion," said Fisher-Titus President & CEO Dr. Brent Burkey. Other significant donors along with FTMC included Oglesby Construction, the Paul Graham family, and the Norwalk Eagles Club 711. More than 100 individuals also bought brick pavers that will go toward a future entrance gateway. Garmann Miller served as the contracted architectural firm, while Adena Corporation was the Construction Manager at Risk, with many local contractors completing sub-contract work. Tuesday's meet was the first the school hosted since 1992. "This isn't just an upgrade — it's a game changer," South Central superintendent Ben Chaffee said in June 2025, when Adena Corporation led the groundbreaking of the facility. "It will serve thousands of students over the coming years, not only in track and field, but also in football, band, physical education, and community events. It's a facility designed not only to honor our athletes' achievements but to inspire the next generation of Trojans." Prior to Tuesday's meet, 1987 SC graduate Molly Woodruff Sestili helped lead the ribbon cutting. The two-time state champion had not been back in 27 years. "Having her there showed these kids what someone from South Central is capable of," Kiesel said. "I wanted to go out and compete after her speech; it was that good." The program then did a celebratory memory lap featuring the "gravel warriors," the former athletes who didn't get to compete at home on an all-weather surface. Several of those who participated also had their accomplishments read off during the walk. "That was really cool," Kiesel said. "Everyone that has ever done track here was invited to come out and walk. The environment was exciting, and I was proud of my kids now. "The appreciation they have, they understand this didn't come easy, and it took a lot of work and a lot of years for this to happen," he added. "They are doing their best to show that appreciation every day." As reality began to set in, Kiesel also singled out his pole vault coach, Jeff Ray. The South Central program was on life support in the late 1990s, and Ray stepped in and is credited with helping reenergize things. After three years, he asked Kiesel to take over. And prior to Tuesday's meet, Kiesel observed Ray doing his usual work behind the scenes. "He volunteers and had just gotten done taking care of his elderly mother, who is almost 100 years old," Kiesel said. "And there he is out there weed trimming and using a blower to clear the entire track still. "But he does it because of the pride. Just him and I together … we never thought we'd see this. Grateful doesn't begin to describe it." The Trojans will host one more meet next Tuesday (April 28) against Crestview and St. Paul. Kiesel said there is hope of doing more in the future but admitted both he and others need to learn how to walk before they run — pun intended. "We're trying to figure out how to run a meet now," he said. "I've been coaching a long time, but we still need to learn how to run a big meet yet before we get to an invitational-level event." Meet results The S.C. girls dominated on Tuesday. The Trojans scored 105 points to easily outdistance Monroeville (43) and Plymouth (5). Autumn Fry led the way for the Trojans. She won the 100-meter dash in 13 seconds, the 200 in 27.13 seconds, and also won both the shot put (34 feet 1 inch) and discus throw (122 feet 3 inches) for four event wins. Other multiple event winners included Adelynn Smith in the 1600 (6:51.04) and the 3200 (16:05.46), Emily Lamoreaux in the 100 hurdles (17.28) and the 300 hurdles (52.78), and Lauren Ingram in the high jump (five feet) and the long jump (15 feet 1.5 inches). Also for the Trojans, Falynn Schumacher won the 400 (1;07.45) and Taylor Smith won the pole vault (10 feet 6 inches). In relays, South Central's Lamoreaux, Kaili Ingram, Lauren Ingram, and Schumacher won the 4x200 in 1:55.29. Jayna Smith, Lamoreaux, Ady Stevens, and Lauren Ingram took first in the 4x400 (4:45.57), while Jayna and Adelynn Smith, Ady Stevens, and Lindsey Webb won the 4x800 in 12:41.93. Plymouth edged the Trojans, 61-58, and Monroeville scored 30 points in the boys meet. Event winners for the Trojans included Dean Kirk in the 400 (56.66) and Jacob Putt in the 1600 (6:20.84). Lucas Smith won the shot put (42 feet 5 inches) and Luke Kilgore took first in the pole vault (8 feet 6 inches). The 4x800 of Trent Bigler, Juan Larios-Chavez, Ethan James, Jacob Putt also won for the Trojans in 10:09.97.