Photo/SHERI McAnich Shadyside’s Jillian Joseph leaps toward a berth in next week’s regional meet at Massilon Perry High School.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Onward to Stark County!

That’s the battle cry for several area individuals this morning after their performances during the Division III Eastern District Championship meet, which was held this week at Red Devil Stadium.

Representatives from seven area schools extended their season by at least a week and got one step closer to reaching the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Division III State Track and Field Championship at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus.

Before any reservations can be made in Columbus, work remains. With one step of the journey complete, area athletes will return to practice to begin preparations for the start of the regional meet, which will be staged at Perry High School in Massillon.

Here’s a look at area teams’ qualifiers:

BELLAIRE

Coach Shawn Valloric’s team qualified a trio of individuals in one event each.

That group includes Sydney Purtiman (800), Brittany Falcone (discus) and Michaela Flaherty (high jump).

BUCKEYE TRAIL

The Warriors finished with 43 points.

Fueling their charge was senior all-Ohioan Emily Paden, who won the pole vault crown with an 11-foot clearance.

Other individual qualifiers for the Warriors include Arielle Rankin (100), Sydney Lowry (200),

Trail’s 4×1 and 4×2 squads advanced, too.

EAST RICHLAND CHRISTIAN

Senior standout Ally Stewart advanced in the 300 low hurdles once again. She finished second with an impressive time of 47.32.

MONROE CENTRAL

The Seminoles’ lone qualifier is senior Jackie Hayes. She advanced in the 200 and 400 meter dashes, posting times of 27.90 and 62.48.

SHADYSIDE

The Lady Tigers were led by the district championship of sophomore distance ace Katie James. She claimed the 1600 meter run in 5:34.63. She was second in the 3200 meter run.

Other Tiger individual qualifiers include: Jillian Joseph (long jump) and Brinley Steen (high jump).

Shadyside’s 4×2 and 4×4 teams also advanced. The 4×8 team punched a ticket on Tuesday.

STEUBENVILLE CC

The Crusaders finished seventh in the team standings with 42 points.

Coach Bob Stanko’s team got off to a strong start when the quartet of Karlie Vandeborne, Mikayla Gorman, Elizabeth Bolster and Rebcca Bodo produced a district championship in the 4×2 thanks to a 1:50.86 clocking.

Bodo got into the individual winning act when she circled the St. C. oval in 61.82 to win the 400 meter dash.

Other individual qualifiers include: Karlie Vandeborne (200).

The Crusaders 4×1 and 4×4 teams also advanced, finishing third and second, respectively.

TORONTO

The lone Red Knight to qualify was sophomore Isabella Irwin in the high jump.