The big stage doesn’t seem to scare Tiffin Columbian freshman Caroline Newlove. This weekend, the standout underclassman will line up against the fastest hurdlers in the state, looking to cap off an incredible debut season with a podium finish at the Division II State Track and Field Championships in the Girls 300m Hurdles.

According to the official heat sheets released for the event, Newlove enters the state meet running out of Lane 2 in her preliminary heat. She brings a personal best and season-best time of 45.01 seconds into the competition.

Columbian Head Coach Amy Cooper knows exactly what has driven the freshman to this elite level. "I am excited for Caroline to have this opportunity," Cooper said. "She is a hard worker who is focused and has been focused on this all year."

That focus will be tested as Newlove's preliminary heat is packed with elite talent, making for a thrilling race right out of the blocks. She will be flanked by some of the state's top competitors, including:

Nicole Smith (Twinsburg), who holds the fastest entry time in this specific heat at 44.02 seconds.

Madisyn Frost (Chardon) and A'Ziya Smith (Col. South), entering with times of 44.61 and 44.75 seconds, respectively.

Kareena Vandervort (Butler), sitting just ahead of Newlove with an entry time of 44.95 seconds.

Newlove’s time of 45.01 puts her firmly in the hunt to qualify for the finals. Meanwhile, the competition in the next heat is just as fierce, where Ashland’s Sadie Walter leads the pack with an entry time of 44.33 seconds, followed closely by Claire Downer of Chaminade Julienne at 44.49 seconds.

The depth of this year's state field is impressive, with mere fractions of a second separating the top tier of runners. For Newlove, the key will be executing a clean race and leaning into the competitive drive that got her here.

For a freshman to reach the state championships is a remarkable achievement in its own right. Newlove has consistently dropped time throughout the spring, and if she can shave off another tenth of a second to break the 45-second barrier, she stands a fantastic chance of securing a spot in the state finals. Tiffin fans will be watching closely this weekend as the Tornadoes' freshman phenom leaps toward history. Racetime is 3:55 PM from Jesse Owens Stadium at THE Ohio State University.