Golden Eagles relay ends season with fourth place

Jun 5, 2023

COLUMBUS — United senior Kaleb Nastari didn't have to run the relays as the fastest half-miler in the country, but his teammates are glad he did.

"We’re all happy," Nastari said. "It's most of our last races. Coming out and being on the podium feels good."

Nastari finished his high school career with seniors Jenson Baker and Nick Hardgrove and junior Wyatt Medure on the 1600-meter relay that finished fourth in the Division III state track meet Saturday.

"I’m happy with that," Hardgrove said. "I finish my senior year with all my friends on the podium."

Nastari, Hardgrove, Medure and senior Brayden Ganslein were on the 3200 relay team that placed sixth on Friday.

"They’ve all trained together," United boys coach Jordan Wrask said. "They’ve saw the potential as a mid-distance group.

"Kaleb could have said he was just running his race. It was awesome to have this group of boys with us. They surprised everyone's expectations."

The Golden Eagles ran a school-record 3:25.01, trailing Ashland Crestview's winning time of 3:22.76.

Nastari captured his second straight 800-meter state championship in an all-time state record before anchoring the 1600 relay team.

His 48-second final leg launched the Eagles from seventh to fourth.

"Without him, we wouldn't be here," Baker said.

"We’re grateful for Kaleb back there," Medure said. "We make sure he knows he is appreciated."

They were appreciative that Nastari took them along for the ride.

"Without him, we wouldn't be here," Baker said.

"We try to run our best to put him in the best position possible," Hardgrove said. "You want to do the best for your team. I don't want to see Kaleb not up there."

The Eagles heard a lot of people say they are just there because of Nastari.

"In a sense it is, but the other three have to put in the work to get us up there," United distance coach Joe Karmazin said. "Put us in a place where he can come out and compete."

"We heard Bluffton say, ‘All we’ve got to worry about is Kaleb,'" Baker said.

The Eagles followed Nastari's lead all the way to the podium.

"At practice, he gives it all he has," Medure said. "He puts in the time. Nobody deserves it more."

State Notes

¯ Hardgrove was wearing his sunglasses again during the state meet.

"I started doing it at district," he said. "I say they’re plus-five speed."

¯ The Eagles will be counting their time in the state finals as a school record.

The school mark of 3:25 was hand-timed in 1982 and was set Steve Altomare, Terry Smeltzer, Dave Lease and Mark Lutz.

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