Pandemic costs, New Lexington’s Ratliff a chance at a state title

NEW LEXINGTON, Ohio- There’s a track star at New Lexington who is a prime exampe of the saying, speed kills, and was looking to use that speed to not just win a league title but a state title.

For the first time in over a century, there will be no track and field state meet here in Ohio.
“It sucks you know I had a chance at going to a state title, I think we could win an MVL title this year and its all gone now.”

Last year, C.J Ratliff of New Lexington became a district champion in the 400 meter race, which led to him to a third place finish in the state meet.

“Going into freshman year I never ran the 400 in middle school and he goes your a 400 runner, and I go coach nah, he’s like your running it first meet we’ll see how you do.”

While C.J won’t be able to show off his in the spring, he was fortunate to show off his speed in the fall on the Panther football team. He was voted the MVL special teams player of the year and was an MVL first-team selection.

“Playing on that football field, Jim Rockwell, I have a couple videos of me just stomping after a play and just looking up at the crowd you know they know how to cheer you up you know get you ready to go.”

His senior track season at New Lex may have gotten cut short, but the running doesn’t stop there as he’ll be taking his talents to Tiffin University.

“Freshman year should be great at Tiffin, I’ll be a sprinter an full on sprinter so a 100, 200, 400 guy with the main race as the 400.”