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Midview’s Alexis Weber wins program’s first state title in track and field

Midview's Alexis Weber competes in the high jump at the Indoor State Track and Field Meet at SPIRE in Geneva. (Courtesy Katie Salva)
Midview’s Alexis Weber competes in the high jump at the Indoor State Track and Field Meet at SPIRE in Geneva. (Courtesy Katie Salva)
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History was made at Midview last week when the girls basketball team advanced to the state final four for the first time.

Don’t forget about Middies track and field standout Alexis Weber, who has added to the list.

For the first time in 67 years of Midview track and field, a state championship was won when Weber took home the state title in high jump at the Division I indoor meet in Geneva last week.

After finishing seventh last year, Weber won the event in her senior year with a jump of 5 feet, 5 inches.

“It’s not surprising at this point because we’ve just been working towards it, but it feels good to have the work pay off,” Weber said. “It just makes me want to set more goals and try to accomplish more.”

The thought of what’s next hasn’t come without tough sledding for the Midview program. Ten years ago under this coaching regime, the Middies won their first dual meet against Elyria Catholic.

In 2017, Midview got its first trophy with a runner-up finish. Since then, the program has been on the rise, and now it boasts a state champion. Coach Kevin Radigan knew it would be Weber.

“When me and coach (Katie) Salva took over this program, we had 13 kids,” Radigan said. “Alexis represents putting in the work and the effort and the time. If you put in the work and do what we ask, you can succeed. Truthfully, there’s no one we’d rather have to do this because of her work ethic.”

Jeff Ondo is Weber’s jump coach, and he was the last podium finisher before her for Midview. The relationship between the two is good and Radigan thinks that has pushed it forward, he said. Radigan said that he doesn’t see the coaches going anywhere, so they’re looking to continue building the culture.

Midview never envisioned the feeling of thinking about what’s next was possible after having Weber win this state title. Weber has defied long odds that have been set for the program, and has broken down that barrier. The senior is excited for the spring season, saying that winning at SPIRE in the indoor state meet sets a good tone for it.

“I just want to have fun and I hope it falls into place,” Weber said.

“I agree, I also want to have fun,” said Radigan. “But I hope the fun ends up where she deserves to be at the end of the year.”

The hope is to end up in Columbus for the outdoor state finals in June. Before Weber, that feeling hasn’t happened for the Middies. Over the years, the program has changed to become one that opponents respect. Weber has been a big part of the turn around.