NEW CONCORD — After the opening day of the Division II, Region 7 Championship Meet at Muskingum University just Indian Creek is assured of a trip to the OHSAA State Track and Field Championship.

However, many other schools put themselves on the brink of a berth, entering Saturday’s finals, which will begin with field events at 11:30 a.m. and running an hour later back at McConagha Stadium.

The Redskins solidified their invitation to Jesse Owen Memorial Stadium on the Ohio State University campus by virtue of winning the championship in the 4×8.

The foursome of Spencer Neville, Aiamyia Dudley, Sloane Lewis and Kelsey Lewis posted a 9:26.90.

The Redskins quest to defend their state 4×4 championship from a season ago inched a step closer to reality. The same team as the 4×8 ran a 4:02.59 to lead the qualifying by two seconds over John Glenn.

St. Clairsville had a strong night of qualifying for Saturday.

Senior standout Christian Oberdick advanced in both hurdle events. He ran a 14.72, which is tied for third best in the field. He posted a 40.93 and sits in fifth.

Junior David Mellema also advanced in the highs, posting a 15.56. In the intermediates, he ran a 41.31.

The Red Devils’ 4×2 qualified with a 1:33.29 and the 4×1 posted a 44.42 to advance to the final. The 4×4 is seeded fourth thanks to a 3:29.54.

Union Local senior Luke Menges advanced one step closer to his first state-meet berth in both the 100 and 200 meter dashes.

In the 100, Menges posted an 11.10, which is fourth best in the field. In the 200, he turned in a 22.89, which is seeded fourth.

Junior speedster Emily Baire led St. Clairsville’s girls’ individual qualifying. She advanced in the 100 and 200 meter dashes, posting 12.64 and 26.36, respectively.

St. Clairsville’s girls’ 4×2 turned in a 1:46.80 to lead the qualifying. The Devils’ 4×1 posted a 50.82 and is sitting in second by four hundredths of a second.