Published on July 28, 2026
Franklin County Board of Commissioners
Four Olentangy High School runners did not become a relay team until May 9, and less than a month later they were state champions.
The Board of Commissioners recognized the school's boys 4x200 relay team on July 28, honoring their spring state title in track and field. Coach Ken Whalen told commissioners he and Assistant Coach Paul Cheek had not paired the four runners together until early May, ahead of what turned into a title-winning season. The team includes juniors Brody Mazalowski, Jacob Lindley, and Jack Cornelius, along with senior Joaquin Love.
Love finished on the podium in four separate events at the state meet, placing third in the 200 meter dash, eighth in the long jump, and running legs on both the winning 4x200 relay and the second place 4x400 relay. Whalen said he could not recall another athlete in Division I finishing on the podium in four events in a single meet. Love plans to study sports science at Tiffin University in the fall.
The recognition came through the county's partnership with the Greater Columbus Sports Commission and the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Commissioners also acknowledged Olentangy Berlin High School's Miles King, this year's state champion in high hurdles, who was not present.
Session Date: July 28, 2026