Jun 12, 2025
Correspondent photo / Robert Hayes Springfield senior Aiden Appel chases down the pack during the Div. III 4x400m, finishing with a 3:21.42.
COLUMBUS — The finale of the Division III meet provided a race that was worthy of a curtain call. The first three spots on the podium were decided by less than a second, so it was going to come down to whoever had some gas left in the tank.
Senior Aiden Appel was no stranger to the big stage. The three-time state qualifier dashed down the final 50 meters, and snagged silver for a more than enthused Springfield squad. Hugs at the finish line ensued, and it was more than obvious that Springfield was pleased with silver.
Posting a time of 3:21.42, the platoon of senior Isaac LaMorticella, junior Matt Wymer, freshmen Michael Tuscano and Appel stood proudly at the conclusion of their state meet. It’s an improvement over their bronze-medal run in the 4×400-meter relay last season, which also featured Appel and LaMorticella.
Being the anchor provides a lot of pressure, but also provides the most opportunity for glory.
“Last year we were pretty satisfied with that, then with me and Isaac coming back, we knew that we had a chance to do it all over again,” Appel said. “We went through a lot of adversity this year with injuries and stuff, but we kept our heads up, worked all year and now we got second. I honestly love it. My teammates all root for me, and I just got to repay them all. We had a good time.
“There was so much relief in just knowing that we got second. All of our families are here supporting us and stuff, it’s just an honor. I’m so happy I get to represent the Tigers on my jersey every day.”
Appel also qualified as an individual in the 400-meter dash, the second time he’s done so, taking 13th during the preliminary rounds on Friday. LaMorticella and Appel both made their state debuts their sophomore seasons as a member of the 4×400 team, so the experience was there.
“It was just about being consistent, working hard at practice, doing what our coaches have prepped for us for the week, then giving our 110 percent every day,” LaMorticella said. “From the last day to the start of the season, we kept (last year) in the back of our head and just kept working towards it.
“The atmosphere is just absolutely insane. Just hearing everybody come down the back stretch, it just gives you that extra push to finish through the race, even though you’re tired, your legs are hurting. It’s just so nice to have it.”
Wymer was no stranger to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium either, having made the trek two years ago on the 4×200 with LaMorticella, but missed the state cut last spring.
“It fueled me a lot, because in my freshmen year our team made it in the 4×200, and then coming around the next year, we kind of expected to make it there,” Wymer said. “I did know if we didn’t take it as serious as my freshmen year, maybe. After not making it my sophomore year, that really fueled me a lot. I worked really hard, and it shows right here.
“It’s a very tough race, some would argue it’s the hardest race, the 400. I would say it’s the 800. One thing that I do is that I don’t think, I just run. I know it sounds easier said than done, but that’s kind of what I do. I don’t think about anything, I just breathe and run.”
The lone state newcomer naturally was a freshman, Tuscano. But being a younger face in a sea of veterans didn’t phase his state debut.
“It feels amazing, it feels great that I’m doing it with people that are more experienced than me every time,” Tuscano said. “I’m nervous. I was nervous. They got me back on my feet and I was ready to go. It gives me a lot of confidence coming out here, it boosts your confidence overall.
“It’s freaking crazy, usually at the last 100 meters, that’s when you die out, but when you hear that crowd, it makes you go faster. It’s crazy. I picked up a lot (from my team). They don’t take it easy down there, they don’t take it for granted. I learned a lot from that. If I don’t work hard, it’s not going to go well for us. They work their butts off every day. If I don’t do the same, we ain’t doing great.
“I worked up to them, and now I’m on their level. That did a lot for us today.”
As for the momentum the silver medal can give to the freshman going forward?
“It’s going to give me a crap ton, baby,” Tuscano said. “You’re going to see me back. It’ll be sweet.”
Senior Dante Gentile, a former state qualifier himself, competed in two preliminary events on Friday, the 110-meter hurdles (15.71 seconds) and the 300 hurdles (40.39).
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