Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Western Reserve sophomore Addison Becka clears the last hurdle during the Division V girls 300m hurdle. She earned the state runner-up title with a new personal-best time of 45.23s.

COLUMBUS — The leap from not even making it out of the regional round to having a silver medal as the state runner-up is an extremely difficult accomplishment.

Western Reserve sophomore Addison Becka did just that.

On the third day of the OHSAA Jesse Owens Track and Field Championships, Becka clocked a time of 45.23s during the Division V girls 300m hurdles, running a new personal best time for the silver medal. She won the preliminary round at 45.40s, while also placing 10th in the preliminary round of the 100m hurdle with a 16.14s.

“It is very exciting, I’ve never had this experience before. Last year was a little rough with injuries and everything. This year I’m feeling healthy and strong, I’m hoping to be here next year,” Becka said. “One of the biggest hurdles for me this season was getting my steps down for the 300m hurdles. I had a little bit of a hard time with getting my steps right actually and it started to come together and hopefully I can work on it more.

“Sometimes one event is harder than the other. It was a lot of work, it’s really exciting and special to be here, it’s a lot of fun.”

When she’s not training for track, Becka plays volleyball and skis.

“Track is such a mental sport, I feel like personally, it’s one of the hardest sports to get over. It’s just constant working all year long. In the offseason you’re going at it, practicing with your school, track is definitely the hardest mental sport and it definitely prepares you for the others,” Becka added. “My dad used to ski when we were little and he just took us out there when we were kids and threw us on the hill.

“I absolutely love the grind, all year, everything I’m always grinding.”

The Blue Devils also had two qualifiers in the boys meet, with senior Jackson Young placing 13th in the boys shot put at a personal-best 50-2.25 feet and fellow senior Josh Klasic finishing 17th in the 100m prelims with a time of 11.45s.

“The energy is so good, I’ve never been to a meet with this many people. Initially (the first day) was a little intimidating, but now today I’ve really vibing with it and I really like it.” Becka said. “Being with people that have that extra drive who are going to push me, I (hit my personal best) yesterday and today, everyone was really going today. The extra competition makes a big difference.”

With a trek to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in the books for the Western Reserve sprinter, the eyes look forward to making a return trip next June.

“I’m really looking forward to it, I’m going to work hard all summer and all winter, and I’ll be back next year.” Becka said.