Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Howland freshmen Kellan Shipman competed in the seated shot put, earning silver after marking 20-8.25 feet.

COLUMBUS — It was a lengthy two days in humid, warm and occasionally sunny conditions.

But for Howland freshman Kellan Shipman, that was just fine. Taking in the sights and sounds that state competition has in store, Shipman competed in four events during the Seated Division at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Since 2013, the OHSAA has hosted eight seated events during the State Track and Field Championships. Shipman competed in all four on the boys side, starting with shot put on Friday, then taking part in the seated 800 meter, 400 and the 100. Each of the seated races are held during each of the three divisions on championship Saturday.

“It was a good experience, I did good in all of my races, and I took second in shot put. I’m just glad I got to come down and compete with all of the people, because it’s hard not being able to compete during the season and then coming here and doing it with everybody,” Shipman said. “It does make a difference, I think, because you’re not really sure how to pace yourself, and then you get down here, you might get thrown off a little bit. But I think it’s good, especially knowing people and then training through the season and then coming down here.

“This has definitely pushed me more. I’ve PRed in all of my throws and all of my races, so it definitely pushes you more.”

On Friday, he competed in one of his two favorite events, the shot put, earning silver with a mark of 20-8.25 feet at the throws area across the street on Fred Taylor drive.

His other favorite event is the 800, the first of three events on the track.

“I like the long distances in the chair, so the 800 is the furthest I can go. So I enjoy doing it. The shot put I really enjoy because it’s just fun and I’m good at it I think.” Shipman said.

He clocked a time of 2:32.54 during the 800, to earn his first bronze. Shipman added another third-place finish in the 400, at 1:09.23. His third consecutive bronze medal was earned during the 100 with a 19.74s.

Shipman has competed in track and field since seventh grade, thanks to the help of Adaptive Sports Ohio.

“I’ve played hockey through them since I was little, and they told me I should try track out, and I wanted to be a part of a school sport and I’ve just grown in love with it,” Shipman said. “It’s sled hockey, but I love it so much, I’ve been doing it since I was 6 or 7.

“Honestly, I’m really proud, because I was the only one who qualified (from Howland) and I placed third in all of my racing events and second in shot, and I think that’s pretty good for my freshman year,” Shipman said. “I know that if I put in all of the training, I can get way better and maybe get some golds next year. I want to get the state record in shot put because the last two years I’ve gotten the junior high state record. I’m almost there, I think I can do it next year.”

ADDITIONAL AREA RESULTS

Garfield’s Conner Hunt won his ninth state title after sweeping the boys track events, while Beaver Local’s Savannah Nign earned gold in the girls 400, earning silvers in the 100 and 800, adding a bronze in shot put.