Margaretta freshman high jumper takes state opportunity seriously

She's only a freshman, but Kaitlyn Nesbitt is taking her last track and field meet of the season seriously.

Margaretta girls track coach Carl Guyton is fine with that approach.

"She realizes she's only a freshman and wants to perform well, and wants to place, and is working hard to do the right things," Guyton said.

Guyton never fully expected the freshman to become the school's first state qualifier in nine years.

When the season started, the Polar Bears knew Nesbitt would do well in the Sandusky Bay Conference. But as the weeks progressed, she surprised them with her district and regional performances, and has come on strong since the conference meet.

"It's that time of season that counts quite a bit -- the part of the season she grew up for," Guyton said.

Nesbitt spent the first two days of the week working and refining her technique, and she has used drills to keep her in shape.

She had first-place finishes at the Otsego Invite, the Huron Invite and the Margaretta Invite.

Then she found another level.

She placed first May 16 at the SBC meet in Milan, clearing 5 feet, 3 inches. Then came a second-place result May 23 and a personal-best 5-4 jump at the Division II district in Oak Harbor and the third spot Saturday at the Lexington regional, where she cleared 5-2.

Guyton felt Nesbitt, who has cleared 5-5 in practice, is enjoying the preparation to compete on the biggest stage and would like nothing more than to finish among the top eight -- earning her a spot on the podium.

"She's set goals for herself and is working hard to achieve that goal," he said.

Nesbitt will practice today and Thursday, then head for Columbus Thursday night.

Guyton is offering advice to Nesbit so she'll be ready to jump Friday at 10 a.m. among the top 16 qualifers across the state.

"(We'll) try to prepare her to be ready for a crowd that's larger than she's ever performed in front of," Guyton said. "And to relax and have fun."