PV's Baugher joins family members to advance to state in track
· Yahoo Sports
William Baugher accomplished three goals during the Division IV regional track and field tournament last weekend — he made state, he set a school record, and he put last season’s regional behind him.
The Pymatuning Valley junior is scheduled to run the 300-meter hurdles at the Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus.
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The semifinal race is slated for this afternoon.
If he qualifies for the finals, that race is set to take place at 3:15 p.m. Friday.
Baugher is seeded 14th among state qualifiers with a 40.22 time at the Austintown Fitch Regional.
“Being 14th to me just doesn’t seem like the place I want to be,” he said.
Shenandoah junior Braxton Barnett, who defeated Baugher at the Fitch Regional, has the fastest time entering state at 36.98.
“That kid is one of a kind, and he is an amazing racer,” Baugher said of Barnett. “He did bring out the best in me by competing with one of the best.”
Baugher said his strategy at state is simple.
“I’m going to attack it as if it’s any other race with my eyes set on the finish line,” he said.
The 40.22 broke a 40.4 mark set by Scott Wludyga in 1991.
“It’s been a battle for the past two years, and finally getting it is just an unbelievable feeling,” Baugher said.
Baugher improved on the 40.87 time during the PV District Tournament.
A fifth-place in a time of 40.89 last season at the D-II Fitch Regional has also motivated Baugher.
“Missing state by one place last year set a standard you either make it or you don’t and having that mentality that takes you to another level is what it takes to make it to a high level,” he said.
Lakers coach Ricky Walters said Baugher is dedicated and works hard at his craft.
“Last year, missing by one place left a bad taste in his mouth, and instead of feeling sorry for himself, he got to work and used that moment as motivation,” Walters said. “PV is very proud to be represented at the state track meet by Will.”
Baugher becomes the third member of his family to participate at the state tournament.
His father, John, ran the 110 hurdles, and sister, Stephanie, qualified in the 300 hurdles.
“It means a lot to follow in their footsteps,” Baugher said. “My father used to tell me how he felt before a game or before a track meet.
“When you step on the field, no one is your friend, after the game they’re your friends. During the race, there is no glory being someone that’s not looked at. You’ve got to put everything you’ve got into it.”
Baugher said Ryan Shontz has been a big part of his high school career.
“He has been there every year for me in track and has given me a lot of help and thought in this amazing sport, as well as basketball” Baugher said. “He knows that he can count on me, as I count on him being there every step of the way through my sports. He is one of my biggest supporters in life.”
When the track season is finished, Baugher will get ready for the PV football season.
The Lakers have advanced to the playoffs six straight seasons.
From there, it’s on to basketball.
This past season, Baugher was the team’s first player off the bench. He averaged five points and three rebounds per game.
Baugher will close out his high school career next spring in track.