Brock Netter, Staff Writer
CHILLICOTHE — There isn’t very much athletically that Southeastern’s Lane Ruby hasn’t already accomplished.
On the gridiron, the Panthers’ quarterback has aided the team to a Gold Ball and two straight playoff berths. On the basketball court, he played an imperative role on a district championship team two years ago. And, on asphalt, he’s qualified for the state track meet in every year he’s been eligible to do so.
CREDIT: Chad Siders/SOSA
But the junior standout is still chasing an elusive state championship. This weekend, he’ll compete in the 100-meter dash and the long jump in hopes to bring a title home.
Before he heads to Ohio State’s Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium, we caught up with Ruby to talk about his season so far, setting records at a ridiculous pace, his regional title wins and much more.
Question: What has this track season been like for you, and what have been some of your favorite moments?
Ruby: This track season has been great. A lot of hard work has paid off this year. I’d say some of the best moments have been breaking the three Huntington invitational records in one night, breaking the SVC meet record for long jump and finally running a 10.85 [in the 100 dash] at regionals.
Q: Of the records you now own, which one stands out to you the most and why?
LR: I would say the league long jump record because of how old it was. I also broke my dad’s [Pete] personal record that day, too. So that was sweet.
Q: Speaking of your dad’s personal record, was that a goal you had set out for? And what was that feeling like once you did it?
LR: It’s always been a goal of mine to be better than him athletically at something. And now that I broke his own record, I can finally say I’m better.
Q: I remember watching you at state in the long jump back in your freshman year. Now you’re going back in two events. How have you seen yourself improve throughout the past couple of years?
LR: For long jump, I’ve been consistently going to state, but I’ve seen the most improvement in my sprints. My freshman year, I didn’t even make it out of districts. Then last year, I made it to the regional finals and got eighth. Now I’m at the top and won regionals in the 100. My hard work, and good coaching, has gotten me to where I am now and hopefully, I’ll be even better in my senior year.
CREDIT: Chad Siders/SOSA
Q: Winning two events in regionals is no short task. The video of you dusting everyone is insane. What was the better feeling for you: winning the 100, or running it in 10.85 seconds?
LR: Running the 10.85, mainly because my goal this whole year was to run in the 10’s and that was the first time I ever did it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m big on winning, but reaching my goals is more important.
Q: One thing I’ve noticed is that anytime SOSA posts anything about you, it blows up big time. What’s it like having that type of support from your teammates and the whole Southeastern community?
LR: It’s great to know I have people on my side and that want me to succeed. It makes doing what I do on the field, court and track feel more important.
Q: Last question. Obviously the goal is to bring home two state championships. But from a PR standpoint, what are you hoping to achieve this weekend in both events?
LR: I’m hoping to jump 22-feet-10.25, and I want to run a 10.8. I’d be satisfied with that.
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