Sammy Rhodes sets the stage for great things to come with four bronzes in state wheelchair events

Like any other athlete competing at the OHSAA state track and field meet at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium June 6-7, Triway freshman Sammy Rhodes wanted to show the massive crowd how well she could compete.But she also had another agenda. She wanted to show everyone that being in a wheelchair doesn’t quash the drive to compete, to excel, and to eventually produce some incredible results.Rhodes was part of the state wheelchair events portion of the state meet, and represented her school and community incredibly well.For Rhodes, it was the first time competing under the pressure of a state meet, where thousands come to watch and pay tribute to these hardworking athletes.“This feels good, really good,” said Rhodes of performing at state, where she placed third in the shot put and the 100, 400 and 800 meter dashes.“This as a little nerve-racking performing in front of so many people here, but it was really worth it,” she said. “I think this experience will definitely be a factor in coming back down here again. Hopefully I won’t be as nervous.”Having racked up the bronze in her four events, Rhodes set the bar gets set higher next year. “I want to get second or even first,” said Rhodes. “I know I will work harder for that, and keep pushing myself. So much of this is just pushing yourself to do your best rather than where you finish.”Rhodes actually began her career in competition after watching Wooster’s Casey Followay perform and excel. Followay is a state icon in wheelchair competition, owning a number of OHSAA records.She said that the hope is that she can continue to grow in her athletic ability to attain the heights Followay has achieved.“I like working hard to get better,” said Rhodes. “And Casey has been a big influence on me wanting to get better and better.”With that kind of energy and outlook on life, there is no reason to believe that Rhodes won’t be right back at state next year, performing even better.