Ohio Senior Breaks State Record in 110M Race

A high school runner from rural Ohio just rewrote the state record books, proving that big dreams don't need big cities to come true.

Beau Hesler, a senior at North Adams High School, broke the Ohio state record in the 400-meter dash at the Division IV Regional Track Meet on May 30. His championship time of 16.52 seconds surpassed the previous state mark and his own school record.

The achievement caps off an incredible season for Hesler, who made a strategic shift this year. Last year, he won the state championship in the 800-meter race, but this spring he focused on sprint events instead.

That gamble paid off spectacularly. Hesler qualified for the state meet in three individual events: the 100-meter (fourth place, 11.02 seconds), 200-meter (second place, 21.80 seconds), and his record-breaking 400-meter run.

But Hesler isn't finished yet. He'll also anchor North Adams' 4x400 relay team, which claimed the regional championship with a time of 3:20.71, another school record.

"Beau is such a hard worker and a great competitor," says North Adams Boys track coach Jeff Raines. "And now he is a state record holder."

Why This Inspires

Hesler's success reflects something bigger than individual talent. His teammate Coy Fogle also set a school record in the 300-meter hurdles and qualified for state, while three North Adams girls earned state berths in high jump and discus.

Small schools rarely dominate track meets like this. North Adams qualified for five different state events, with athletes consistently breaking their own records throughout the season.

The Bosko sisters, Eden and Ellie, will compete together at state in the discus throw. For sophomore Ellie, it's her first state appearance, earning a wildcard spot after her sister Eden, a senior, secured third place at regionals.

Senior Bella Gray returns to state for the second year in high jump after clearing 5'4", another school record. These athletes didn't just qualify; they arrived with new personal bests and broken barriers.

Coach Raines summed up the season's momentum perfectly: "Every race they just keep getting better." The state finals take place June 4-5 at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus, where North Adams will compete against schools from across Ohio.

For a small town, watching four school records and one state record fall in a single weekend isn't just about athletics—it's proof that dedication and community support can produce champions anywhere.