NEW CONCORD – Bella Van Wey capped her final regional track and field meet with a discus title.
The Maysville thrower posted a winning throw of 124 feet, 11 inches in the Division III competition, but it was a disappointing performance, especially one week after breaking the district record in the same event at 143-5.
“I had a standing throw of 110 (feet) just to get into the finals and fouled four times. It was my worst effort of the season, but I hung in there,” Van Wey said. “I’m happy it happened now. I couldn’t finish my throws, but I know what I need to fix. Days like these only make me stronger.”
A clean slate awaits the three-time All-Ohioan at the Division III state meet. Van Wey will compete in the shot at 4:30 p.m. Friday then throw the discus at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Van Wey admitted the pressure of an uncertain future last season affected her, especially after finishing 14th in the state in the discus. With college settled, the Bowling Green signee enters her final high school competition with a relaxed approach.
“The (recruiting) process is painstaking. I put a lot of pressure on myself, and I didn’t throw well,” she said. “I found a new home. I’m very excited to throw for Bowling Green, and I have room to improve, especially in the shot.
“The pressure’s off now, and I’m ready to have fun,” she added. “I love both events, and I’m ready to compete. I want to get after it, and hopefully, I get a hold of a good one.”
Her confidence also lies in veteran throws coach Dustin Young. The two have worked together since Vay Wey was in middle school. His guidance has aided Van Wey in setting several records and capturing numerous titles in high school.
His influence is another reason why the 2025 Eastern District Athlete of the Year has no concern heading to Columbus.
“He’s such an amazing coach, and our families are such great friends,” she said. “I trust in him, and he trusts me. He knows exactly what I need to hear, and he always gives me that extra push when I need it.”
This week the two will finalize the plan for their last state meet together. Delivering a performance both will be proud of will be Van Wey’s focus.
“I’m so lucky to have had these four years. There’s nothing like high school sports,” she said. “I’m sad, but I’m also ready for what’s next. I going to compete the best I can. I plan to put it all out there, and I’ll see what happens.”
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Maysville senior Bella Van Wey eyeing ‘clean slate’ at state meet
Reporting by Brandon Hannahs, Special to the Times Recorder / Zanesville Times Recorder
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brandon Hannahs, Special to the Times Recorder | USA TODAY Network
