BEAVER TOWNSHIP — Multiple area teams and individuals had excellent showings this spring at the track and field state level.

One week after honoring the Division I state champion Austintown Fitch softball team, the Curbstone Coaches concluded their 2022-23 season by honoring all remaining individual area state champions.

Those being honored during Monday’s meeting at Avion Banquet Center included Howland’s Connor Durig who captured the Division I high jump championship, Salem’s Makenna Rudy, Division II shot put titlist, Kaleb Nastari of United Local who won the Division III 800 meter run, Maplewood’s Caleigh Richards, Division III champion in the 3200-meter run and the Division III Valley Christian 4×100 relay team of Jhordan Peete, Phillip Spradley, VeShun Gurley and Marquez Gibbs.

For Richards, who will be a senior this fall at MHS, it was her third state track championship and fifth overall – she also has two state cross country crowns – as she became the school’s first-ever three-time state titlist in track.

She covered the 3200 meters in 10:53, a half minute ahead of her nearest competitor.

“The goal is always to get to state and it is so humbling to say that you are a three-time champion,” stated Richards, who fought through a hip injury during the cross country season to assume her familiar spot atop the podium. “I am going to take a break until the end of the month then get back at it and start training for our fall cross country season.”

Richards is coached by her father, Mike, who said he recognized his daughter’s unique running ability when as a seventh-grader, she almost broke the existing Trumbull County standard.

“It’s a very special time for any athlete when they stand on the podium,” Mike said. “Beyond coaching my daughter, it was very special for me to be able to put that medal around her neck.”

The Eagles’ relay team posted their third consecutive title in a time of 43.13 with Peete leading off, Spradley second, and Gurley running the third leg with Gibbs serving as anchor.

Their running coach, Kwane Austin, said his group persevered and overcame multiple obstacles.

“They dodged some injuries but you could see that they weren’t going to be denied,” Austin added. “They practiced hard and went full speed ahead en route to a program first, three consecutive state championships.”

Gibbs held the lead once Gurley handed him the final baton.

“I was just hoping that he [Gurley] would yell loud enough for me to hear him,” Gibbs noted. “With the lead, the only thing that crossed my mind was not to slow down until I crossed the finish line.”

Gurley said their three-peat has yet to sink in.

“It is fun when people recognize you as a state champion,” Gurley said. “For this, we will forever be a part of school history.”

Rudy won the state shot put championship with a school-record 41-7.75 heave, which came in just her second-ever season of varsity competition.

“Last year as a junior, my very first throw went 22 feet, 10 inches, finishing the season throwing 34 feet, 10 inches,” added Rudy, who will study criminal justice at the University of Mount Union and be a part of the Purple Raiders’ track squad. “I was hoping just to get to the podium so to win it all is very humbling.”

Her throwing coach, Bill Neapolitan, has produced four state champions, three with the Quakers.

“Makenna busted her hump from day one and bought into our program,” he added. “She came in with a lot of potential and because of that dedication is now a state champion.”

Durig won the high jump with a school-record six foot, nine-inch jump and is headed to Youngstown State to compete for head coach Brian Gorby’s track juggernaut.

“After finishing third last year, to win it all is a wonderful feeling,” During noted.

His coach, Dan Libert, called his state champion a quality individual.

“Connor is respectful of everyone,” Libert said. “Every official loved him and even opponents acknowledged his respectfulness. YSU is getting a quality student-athlete and someone who is valuable in other events as well.”

Nastari, a two-time state champion, set the all-time state record in the 800m in 1:48.31, which was the fastest in the country, too.

He was unable to attend since he was competing in the national championships in Eugene, Oregon.

The organization’s 2023-24 season begins September 11 with Ron Strollo, YSU executive director of athletics serving as guest speaker.