Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Lakeview junior Noah Engle competes in the Division III boys 100-meter dash at the OHSAA state track and field meet. Engle earned fourth place with a time of 10.99 seconds.

COLUMBUS — Under the lights of Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, Noah Engle was ready for the spotlight following weather delays that forced the Division III finals to be held late at night on day three of the OHSAA state track and field meet.

The Lakeview junior rose to the occasion, clocking a time of 10.99 seconds in the boys 100-meter dash to earn fourth place for the Bulldogs in his Columbus debut. Engle previously ran for Lakeview’s state-qualifying 4×100-meter relay squad that competed at Welcome Stadium in Dayton during his freshman year. He also took ninth back in March during the OATCCC Indoor State Meet at SPIRE in the 60-meter dash.

“I knew it was straight business for sure going into my third year of high school. I knew that I kind of had to make it happen, and I finished pretty high, I would say, and it’s been up from there. A lot of progression in myself,” Engle said. “This is a different level for sure. Dayton was nice, but this is top-tier. I’ve always wished to be here. This is probably the biggest achievement of my life as of right now. I’m just ready to come back and win it.

“I thought it was beautiful; the clouds were out, sun was setting. It was almost a beautiful setting for sure. The rain did hold us back a little bit, but I felt that the weather stayed strong and we finished pretty good. I enjoyed this very much.”

Trying to keep the nerves off while staying warm, Engle found ways to pass the time before the 100-meter finals.

“I was with my team, really just moving. I wasn’t going to stay still and get stiff; it was a great time,” Engle said. “There were a lot of seniors out here who are trying to win a state championship. I’m fighting with them every single time trying to PR and do my best. It’s always been great, I love being pushed by everybody else. It’s the best thing you can have.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given. Fourth is a great position. Coming into next year, I’m obviously going to progress and build on that, so I’m glad I get a strong starting point.”

When Engle isn’t training for track, he displays his speed on the gridiron as a running back and safety.

Both positions require a certain level of athleticism and haste.

“Just to be explosive at the start, it really helps me as a running back, cutting through those holes. At safety, it helps me get up to hit people, tackle, catch up with people. I don’t like getting caught down, so it’s a great thing to have this track speed,” Engle said. “I’m so excited (for my senior year), I’m going to work the hardest I’ve ever been able to. I want to prove to everybody, I want to prove that I can be number one, and I just want to be the best person I can this upcoming year.

“I love representing my hometown of Cortland. It’s a big stage, but I love the pressure. I want to put Cortland on the map as someone that’s great. It’s been a blessing for sure.”

Fellow junior Luke Demsey also suited up for Lakeview in Columbus, competing in the boys high jump and placing 15th with a height of 6 feet.