By DOUG DONNELLY

Whiteford will be well-represented at the state track and field finals this weekend.

The Bobcats will compete in the state track and field finals on Saturday at Kent City.

“This year isn’t just about making it to the state meet but making it on the podium as well,” Whiteford coach Jay Yockey said. “This is just a fun group of boys to coach and four out of the six who qualified are seniors that have made a huge impact on our program.”

Whiteford has 12 athletes going to Kent City.

Brek Ruddy was regional champion and goes into the state meet seeded third in the pole vault.

Jess Saylor will compete in the 400 and on the 4×400 Relay unit with Nate Andrews, Brek Ruddy and Brody Hillard. The 4×100 and 4×200 Relay of Drew Ruddy, Antonio Nachtrab, Hillard and Andrews will also be there.

On the girls side, Brielle White qualified in the 200 and 400 plus is on the 4×400 Relay with Braelynn Chiotti, Sierra DeBarr and Briar Wing that will compete at the state finals. The 4×800 Relay of Chiotti, DeBarr, Breslin Wing and Brian Wing will be there as will Nina Bauman, who will compete in the discus.

“She is a three-time state qualifier in the discus,” Yockey said. “Honestly, if she can pop off a great throw, she could make podium.”

White has had an outstanding season

“Last year she focused on the open 100 and the 4×100, but this year we shifted her talents to the 200 and 400 and we have seen a lot of success,” Yockey said. “I think she has the potential to make podium in both.”