Margaretta's Berg national runner-up in freshman discus

Margaretta's Jace Berg led all local participants at the recent New Balance Outdoor Nationals by finishing second in the freshman discus competition. Berg finished as the runner-up out of 67 competitors in the discus competition with a throw of 165 feet, 8 inches. That is his personal best in the discus. Berg posted a throw of 46-4.5 in the shot put to earn 10th place in the meet that took place at University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. The Margaretta rising sophomore was a Division III district champion in both weight events and finished eighth at regional in both. Berg's discus mark in Philly was 10 feet better than what he posted at the regional meet. His personal best in the shot put in 50-8.5 which he posted at the Sandusky Bay Conference championships. Jackson Werling from Allen East High School near Lima won the freshman discus event with a throw of 174-4. Berg, who was recognized for his nationals finishes at Monday's Margaretta track banquet, is a three-sport athlete who also competes in football and swimming. "Margaretta has always had a strong tradition with the track and field program," Margaretta athletic director Drew Grahl said. "For Jace to have his name in the history books at such a young age is incredible. Margaretta is such a special place, and he has received a little extra attention this week because of his achievement at New Balance. We are excited to see him grow and excel not only in his track and field career, but also in everything else he will do." Clyde's boys 4x200 relay competed at the New Balance meet. The quartet of graduated seniors Cayden Perkins and Damarius Chrisman and rising juniors Hector Garza and Dekin Crocket came in 37th place out of 65 teams with a time of 1:29.46. Perkins All-Ohio hurdler Owen Stewart placed 97th in the 110 hurdles, finishing in 15.01. Vermilion freshman Lukas Grisecame in 31st out of 35 in pole vault. His top height was 11-11.75. Clyde's Julia Norris, an incoming freshman, was in the girls middle school 800. She finished the race in 2:24.32, placing 62nd.