Osaji Claims All-State At Heptathlon State Championships
HOOVER- James Clemens junior Ashlee Osaji finished third and was named All-State at the 31st annual AHSAA State Heptathlon and 55th annual Decathlon Championships held in Hoover. The talented member of the school’s track team amassed 4,137 points in the seven-sport event. Caroline Huff of McGill-Toolen Catholic won the overall title with 6,914 points.
“I really didn’t practice a lot for this event so I feel I did really well,” said Osaji, who has received enormous attention from schools such as Samford, USA and Auburn for her talents in track. “Last year I had stress fracture so I’ve really used ice before some of my events. This year I felt very healthy.”
Lanaiya Coney of Bob Jones took first place in the shot put with a heave of 30 feet, 10.5 inches while finishing 23 overall (2,935). Sylvia Cortes was No. 33 overall (2,318), but the James Clemens athlete won the individual 800 event with a time of 2 minutes, 22.42 seconds in her first 800 race.
The remaining local participants and finished spots included 6- Audriana Blakely, James Clemens (4,064) and 27- Nichole Harting, Bob Jones (2,701).
In the decathlon, Miguel Cortes of James Clemens finished sixth overall (5,839), but won the javelin throw with a toss of 165-8. Graham Collins of McGill-Toolen Catholic was the overall decathlon winner with 6,914 points. Additional results in the boys’ decathlon were 16- John Murray, Bob Jones (4,710), 19- Collier Robinson, James Clemens (4,541), 22- Jean Pierre LeRoux, Bob Jones (4,473), 39- Chad Coulter, James Clemens (3,532), 41- Mike Osaji, James Clemens (3,215) and 42- Jon Keiser, Sparkman (3,153).
“I’m very competitive and very proud to have led my team,” said Osaji. “I tried my best. The event was really fun for me and I will return next year with my goal of winning.”
