GENEVA, Ohio — In a performance that will likely be remembered as one of the most dominant in Ohio high school history, Teays Valley High School (TVHS) senior Katy Zang captured the Indoor State Championship in the 3200-meter run on Friday, March 7.
Zang didn’t just win the gold medal; she completely rewrote the record books, smashing a ceiling not only for the state but even putting her name in the books nationally.
Breaking the 10-Minute Barrier
Competing for the TVHS indoor track club team, Zang crossed the finish line with a staggering time of 9:42. The mark “crushed” the previous state record of 10:07 by a massive 25-second margin.
The achievement is potentially historic on a national scale. Officials are currently awaiting formal verification, but Zang is believed to be the first female runner in Ohio history to ever run the indoor 3200m in under 10 minutes. This also places her nationally in the top ten fastest in the country, putting Teays Valley on the Big Map.
Dominance on the Track
The gap between Zang and the rest of the field was equally breathtaking. She defeated her next closest competitor by 42 seconds, turning a championship race into a solo clinic. Zang entered the meet with a qualifying time of 10:17.56, meaning she sliced more than 35 seconds off her personal best when it mattered most.
A Strong Showing for the Vikings
Zang was joined at the Indoor State Track and Field Championships by two other standout TVHS athletes:
- Kennedy Tietz and Cami Myers both competed in the weight throw event. The duo qualified for the state meet with impressive marks of 38’2” and 35’9”, respectively.
Volunteer Coaching Success
The success of the indoor program is being credited to the dedication of volunteer club coaches Zach Frank, Pete Gegick, and Sarah Gaal. The trio volunteered their time throughout the winter season to provide the athletes with the opportunity to compete at the state level.
“We are proud of the work they have done to qualify for the state meet,” school supporters noted following the historic performance.
