2014 was a landmark year for Ohio high school Paralympic athletes, as seven were named U.S. Paralympics Track and Field High School All-Americans by the U.S. Paralympic Committee. Ohio led all states in the number of All-Americans and also saw two athletes awarded with the 2014 National Boys Track Athlete of the Year and 2014 National Girls Field Athlete of the Year.

Tontogany Otsego’s A.J. Digby was named an All-American in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, discuss and long jump on his way to being named the 2014 National Boys Track Athlete of the Year. Ravenna Southeast’s Jenna Fesemyer was awarded the 2014 National Girls Field Athlete of the Year. Fesemyer was named as an All-American in the 800 meter, discus, shot put and javelin.

At the 2014 Ohio High School Athletic Association Track and Field State Tournament, Fesemyer won and set state tournament records in all events of girls wheelchair competition, including the 800 meter run, shot put, 400 meter dash and 100 meter dash.

Wooster’s Casey Followay and Westland’s Timothy Bailey were named All-Americans in the 100 meter, 400 meter and 800 meter. Liberty Center’s Robert Burns was named as a 400 meter, 800 meter and 1500 meter All-American.

Randy McMullen from Kent Roosevelt was named as an All-American in the 1500 meter, discus and shot put.

Xenia Christian’s Grace Norman was named an All-American, qualifying through competition in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 400 meter, 800 meter and 1500 meter.

The OHSAA made history in 2013 by hosting wheelchair events at its state track and field championships. Through the continuing growth and success of Ohio Paralympic athletes, Ohio continues to set the bar for high school Paralympic athletics.

“Only two years after developing their high school Paralympic program, Ohio boasts the most athletes named to the All-Americans list with seven athletes. Other states with multiple athletes on the list include: Washington (five), Louisiana (four), Alabama (four), Texas (three), New Jersey (three) and Indiana (three). All of the states with multiple athletes have Paralympic programs embedded in their high school systems.”