Catholic Central junior wins two state track championships

Engel won the 1,600 and 3,200 at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, scoring 20 points to help Catholic Central finish second as a team behind champion West Liberty-Salem.

Engel, a junior making her third appearance at state, said she had no idea she could win both events.

“It’s definitely a shock for me,” she said.

Engel won the 1,600 in 4 minutes 56.38 seconds, about four seconds faster than her seed time. She pulled away from West Liberty-Salem freshman Megan Adams, who finished second in 5:01.12, on the last lap. Bridget Engel, Addie’s twin, finished fifth in the 1,600 (5:12.18).

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“It was really crazy,” Engel said. “It was tough. There was a lot of good competition. I knew I had to give it all I had because I know she’s super strong. We just like to push each other a lot.”

Engel won the 3,200 in 10:52.85. She once again distanced herself on the last lap and beat second-place Anna Guerra, of McDonald, by five seconds.

“It was a lot of fun just racing against all the girls,” Engel said.

Catholic Central scored 34 points in the meet. West Liberty-Salem won the meet with 50. Mallory Mullen started the scoring for the Irish on Friday by winning the high jump.