Redbird Pride Takes Flight: Loudonville Sends Off Three State Track & Field Qualifiers with Parade and Cheers
LOUDONVILLE, OH – Excitement is soaring in Loudonville as the community prepares to rally behind three standout Redbird athletes who are headed to the OHSAA State Track and Field Championships in Columbus this weekend.
A celebratory send-off parade will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Loudonville High School football field house at 421 Campus Avenue. The parade route will wind downhill past the Equity, turn right onto Market Street, and head toward McDonald’s – giving friends, families, and fans plenty of chances to cheer these student-athletes on to victory.
“These kids have poured everything into their sports and academics,” said Lisa Rader Sage, a proud parent and devoted supporter of Loudonville athletics. “They represent the best of what this town stands for—grit, excellence, and heart.”
Meet the elite trio heading to Columbus:
Tess Shultz – Distance Dominance
Senior Tess Shultz is no stranger to the spotlight. A seasoned competitor with multiple state podium finishes, Tess is Loudonville’s first 2025 state qualifier and a true veteran on the track. She placed 4th in the 1600m at state as a sophomore, and repeated a strong performance in 2024 with 4th in the 1600m and 5th in the 3200m.
She holds three Loudonville High School track records, the school’s cross country record, and has verbally committed to Florida Gulf Coast University. Tess has also stood on the cross country state podium three times, with her best being a 5th place finish. This weekend, she’s seeded 4th in the 1600m and 3rd in the 3200m, running at 10:05 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
Braden Carr – Vaulting Into History
Loudonville’s second qualifier is junior pole vaulter Braden Carr, another seasoned athlete who has made eight straight state appearances, dating back to his junior high days.
Braden is the school’s record-holder for both indoor and outdoor pole vaulting, topping out at 14 feet. He was the 8th grade indoor state champ, runner-up in the 8th grade outdoor state, and placed 2nd in the New Balance Freshman Elite Nationals. This Friday at 4 p.m., Braden enters the state meet tied for 13th and ready to fly high once more.
Cooper Sage – “The Flying Fish”
Rounding out the trio is freshman phenom Cooper Sage, nicknamed “The Flying Fish” for his dual talents in swimming and pole vaulting.
Last year as an 8th grader, Cooper cleared 11 feet and tied for 13th in the state. Now, as a Division III freshman, Cooper is the only freshman pole vaulter from his division heading to the state final. His recent personal record of 13’4” earned him a 4th-place finish at Regionals and locked in his spot to compete Friday at 4 p.m. at Jesse Owens Stadium.
Cooper has also qualified for the New Balance Freshman Nationals in Philadelphia on June 20.
What makes this group even more exceptional? All three athletes are scholar-athletes, balancing rigorous training with academic excellence.
As they head to Columbus, they carry not just their dreams—but the hopes and pride of the entire Loudonville community.
Go Redbirds, and good luck Tess, Braden, and Cooper!
