×

X Marx the spot

Salem sophomore makes first trip to Columbus

Salem’s Caitlyn Marx finished third in discus at the regional meet last week with a throw of 131-feet-6. (Salem News/Ron Firth)

SALEM — After a season of drastic improvement, Salem sophomore discus thrower Caitlyn Marx believes her trip to this year’s state track meet will be a taste of even better things to come.

“I’m really glad to be getting the experience of going down as a sophomore,” Marx said. “A lot of the girls ahead of me are seniors so it will be nice to get a taste of the competition.”

Marx punched her ticket to Columbus with a third-place finish in the Austintown Division II regional meet with a throw of 131-feet-6, which ranks fifth among state qualifiers.

She is one of only three sophomores in the 16-thrower field. Four of the five athletes above her are seniors.

“I want to learn from this experience so I can place higher when all the girls above me leave next year,” Marx said.

Marx still remembers being reluctant to take up track in middle school.

“I wasn’t really familiar with it and I didn’t really want me to go out, but my best friend coaxed me into it. I’m really glad that happened,” she said.

Marx’s personal best last season was 118-9, but after an offseason of hard work, she quickly left that mark in the dust. It didn’t take her long to realize that this season could be something special.

“Once I started getting into the 130s three or four weeks into the season, I thought I would have a pretty good chance of making it to state,” Marx said.

Marx, who peaked with a throw of 139-4 on her way to a county title, credited improved technique and strength with her improvement this season.

Marx also added a district title to her resume with a throw of 139-0. She also won a Northeastern Buckeye Conference title and was second in the tough Optimist meet.

“Coming into this year, I was focused on bettering my PR from last season,” Marx said. “I began lifting a lot in the offseason and got a lot stronger. My form has gotten better step by step although there are always improvements to make.”

Marx believes she has what it takes to wind up on the podium and hopes to use this year as a springboard.

“I can’t wait to see how I stack up against the other athletes down there,” Marx said. “I’m looking forward to the competition. Hopefully I can wind up on the podium.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today