Division II Austintown-Fitch Regional track and field capsule

When: May 24 and 26

Where: Austintown-Fitch, 4560 Falcon Drive, Youngstown

Schedule: May 24 — 5 p.m. (girls shot put, boys discus, boys pole vault, boys long jump and girls high jump finals, 4x800 finals and running preliminaries except for distance); May 26 — 11:30 a.m. (boys shot put, girls discus, girls pole vault, girls long jump and boys high jump finals and running finals)

What’s next: The top four advance to the state meet. Two statewide at-large berths in each running event will be announced by the OHSAA in addition after all regional results are finalized.

What to look for (meet program at baumspage.com)

Boys: Likely the biggest area favorite in boys D-II for a regional title will be Benedictine’s Matthew Dinovo in 300 hurdles. After making it to state in D-I a year ago, the Bengals’ senior has displayed the sub-39 ability that is facilitating this time of year. ... Perry’s Justin Haywood has been ramping up nicely in both throws and should contend for regional crowns on his current 50-plus shot put and 150-plus discus baselines. ... Wickliffe’s Isaac Pettway will aim for Blue Devils’ history and a third straight state berth in long jump — and he could add 100 to it. The key for 100 is to get a bit deeper into the 11s against CVCA’s Tre Tucker, and if he can break 22 in long jump, that should lock up a top-four spot. The Blue Devils’ Dylan Barnes (1,600), Brandon Berry (100) and Jared Szinte (shot put) are on the cusp as well. Around a 4:25 is likely needed for Barnes to be in the argument, Berry needs to stay in the low-11s and Szinte needs to vie for high-40s again. ... Perry’s Cameron Rogers appears to be getting healthy just in time for a pole vault regional title charge. He was close at 13-0 at district — and that could do it at Fitch. ... In 4x8, CVCA and Akron SVSM will get out early looking to go for sub-8s. That could be a benefit to the others seeking state as well, including NDCL, but it will still likely take something under 8:10 to advance.

Girls: This could be one of the best D-II regional years this area has ever enjoyed. It’s hard to pick where to begin, but Beachwood’s defense of its team title is as good as any. On paper, it seems like the Bison could score even better at Fitch than they did a year ago when they won the team crown. Mia Knight is locked in for 100 and 200 — no one at Fitch has Knight’s top-end speed and drive phase. The Bison’s 4x1 has a different complexion but will be very strong once again. Maddie Alexander has been a versatile threat in 100 hurdles and high jump and could make Columbus in both. And given the hard-luck senior year she has had outdoors, a 3,200 from Leah Roter reminiscent to her 2017 vintage would be a feel-good story. ... Beachwood’s depth is only part of the cadre of hammers bringing their best to Fitch. ... Perry’s Leah King will push hard for a hurdles double — she should be fine in 100s and 300s could be a hot final with King and Akron SVSM’s Sara Foster. The Pirates, with King on the anchor, could also push for state and under 4:05 in 4x4. ... The two-time defending state champion Chagrin Falls 4x8 has been untouchable, especially in the last month including a pair of regular-season 9:30s and a 9:23 at district. You never want to call anything a lock this time of year, but the Tigers make a good case. Individually for the Tigers, Annie Zimmer (1,600) and Catherine Coffey (800) should be tone-setters with strong times to take into state. ... As far-fetched as it sounds, there could be an area 1,600 sweep for state berths with Zimmer, Hawken’s Ella Gilson and Beaumont’s Mia Mlynek and Ashley Rulison all peaking nicely. ... The Blue Streaks should also be in the mix for Columbus in two of their signature events — 4x4 and 4x8. ... Among other area athletes, keep an eye on Kirtland’s Jenna Sayle, who has sub-2:20 ability to make 800 interesting, and VASJ’s sprint relays are very solid and would comfortably earn berths on their current trajectory.