COLUMBUS — Jon Monnig and Lukas Morris were on the biggest stage and they gave award-winning performances.

The awards weren’t an Emmy or an Oscar, but they were 7th place medals as they turned in personal-best performances in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II state track and field meet Friday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

Monnig tied the school record as he cleared 14-feet in the pole vault. Monnig tied the record earlier this season in the district meet, a record that was set ironically by Justin Gillum at the state meet.

Morris, who will high jump on Saturday, had a personal-best 21-5 to finish seventh in the long jump.

“I’m really proud of their accomplishments,” said Ironton coach Greg Cronacher. “They both had their PR’s and against the best competition in the state. That’s impressive.”

Morris qualified for the state meet when he was fourth in the regional meet with a 20-10.5 jump.

“It felt good to do it. I snuck into the state meet anyway and I took seventh. I’m pretty happy,” said Morris.

“There were better jumpers than me, but I tried to give my best and try to place. I was happy with my jump, but you always want more.”

Korbin Smith of Delta jumped 23-7 to win his second straight state long jump title.

Monnig also had feelings of joy and excitement. Was he happy with his performance?

“Look at this,” said Monnig as he pointed at the giant smile strapped across his face.

“It was surprising. I really didn’t think I was going to do that well. I felt good today. My legs were ready. I had a good jump at 14 and I was so close at 14-3. I jumped on another pole but I didn’t get deep enough.”

Crosby Schemenaueer of Pemberville went 15-3 to win the pole vault event. Eight different vaulters jumped 14-feet or better.

“That’s rough. Real rough,” said Monnig. “Last year I think 14-feet would have got me third place.”

Morris said the key to performing so well was being relaxed.

“This is a daily (routine) for us. You might be nervous early in the day, but not once the meet starts,” said Morris.