COLUMBUS – Annie McCracken did not take the ultimate final step, but the signature smile never left her face June 7. The senior wrapped up a legendary career for the Granville girls track team.
McCracken cleared 12 feet, 6 inches to take runner-up in the pole vault during the Division II state championships at Ohio State. She finished runner-up to Cincinnati Turpin’s Claire Iaciofano for the second consecutive season as both competed in Division I in 2025.
“It’s just been a true blessing. Jim O’Neill, my coach for pole vault, has changed my life for the better. He made me want to compete in this sport and pursue it further in my life,” McCracken said. “It’s hitting me now. At graduation, I was still thinking about state, but Granville has been such a big blessing and provided me so much. I am just happy to be a part of the legacy.”
McCracken, who placed fourth in Division I as a sophomore, won the Division II indoor state championship in March. She then became the second girl in Ohio history to clear 14-0 in April.
McCracken, who recently was slowed by back and foot injuries, passed at 12-10 before attempting 13-2, which eventually was Iaciofano’s winning height.
“It’s not the day I really wanted it to be, but I came out here and did my best,” said McCracken, who will compete collegiately at Indiana. “I am currently pushing through three injuries right now. It’s just the beginning for me.”
Granville certainly had a presence on the podium, and senior Cade Roberts finished his career on a high note for the boys team.
Roberts cleared a personal-best 6-6 to tie for third in the high jump. The 6-6 clearance came on his first attempt.
“I was (seeded) 17th going into it. I knew I could get podium at least, but last thing I expected was get third. I am really excited about today,” Roberts said. “I wasn’t say nervous for 6-2, but I was sweating beads because it was so hot out. Once I cleared 6-2, I felt good. I got my steps right and cleared 6-6 on first attempt. I did not expect that.”
Classmate Bode Shoaps has never run faster than he did in his final race. Shoaps ran a personal-best time to place fourth in the 200 (21.31) after earlier placing fourth in the 100 (10.66), too.
Shoaps, who won his heat, was a part of the fastest collective Division II 200 competition in Ohio history. Big Walnut’s Jamier Brown set the Division II state and state meet records at 20.91 to win the title.
“I ran 10.66, and I was definitely a little upset about that because I can definitely go faster,” Shoaps said. “I knew I had it in the 200. I was feeling good. I had a good week of training, and I just made it happen.”
Shoaps now is off to kick for the Louisville football team, but he had some unfinished business on the track. He placed as a part of the 1,600 relay last year, but he just missed qualifying for the Division I meet as an individual.
“It’s exciting because I wasn’t sure where this season would take me. I was supposed to enroll in Louisville two weeks earlier, so I wasn’t even sure if I was going to get to run this,” Shoaps said. “It’s just a blessing, especially to be with the one of the most talented groups.”
Seniors Nolan Cheney and Grady Johnson, junior Liam Duffey and freshman Dimas Spencer finished 17th in the 1,600 relay (3:31.11).
ksnyder@newarkadvocate.com
740-973-4541
Instagram: @newarkurt
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Granville senior track stars finish among Ohio’s best
Reporting by Kurt Snyder, Newark Advocate / Newark Advocate
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kurt Snyder, Newark Advocate | USA TODAY Network
