Carsen Hostetler didn’t have a unique strategy when running at the state track meet. “Don’t think, just run.” 

It worked. 

Hostetler, who will be a senior at Indian Valley High this fall, capped his junior season on the Braves’ track team with a state title in the 300 hurdles. 

He qualified for the finals by finishing third in the preliminaries with a time of 38.66. 

“In the prelims, I just ran,” he said. “I got out hard and didn’t run real well and just sort of died out. I just wanted to get to the finals and save some for the end. 

That he did. 

Hostetler won the Division III title, racing to a time of 37.01 to beat Ursuline’s Xavier Stargill, who finished second at 37.50. 

He said the fact that he was seeded third after the preliminaries wasn’t a matter of concern. 

“I thought I had a chance because I had the fastest time at the regionals. I just had to run my race.” 

Hostetler did not lead from the start he estimates that he was third or fourth when the race hit the turn and headed down the final straightaway. 

“I just had to kick it into gear,” he said. 

Titles are not a new thing to Hostetler. He was a defensive standout when the Braves won their football championship during his sophomore season. 

The 300 hurdles were not the only race for Hostetler. He also grabbed All-Ohio honors in the 110 hurdles, taking third with a time of 14.16, 

“I’m not really fast fast, like you need to be for the 110s,” he explained. “That’s why I’m better in the 300.” 

In short races, Hostetler said there is not always time for strategy. 

“Don’t think, just run,” he said. 

Summer is a short season for Hostetler. He said he’s taking a week for a vacation and then will return to start preparing for football.

Next spring’s plans are set, however. Will he come back to try for another title? “That’s the plan,” he said.