MARTINS FERRY — Francis Toohey quietly put together a very impressive prep running career.

The recent Martins Ferry High School graduate will have the chance to extend his athletic career.

Toohey recently signed a National Letter of Intent to join the West Liberty University track and cross country programs in the fall.

“West Liberty’s running program felt like a perfect fit for me,” Toohey said. “The team is close-knit and they truly care about running. Plus, the education program at West Liberty is nationally accredited, so I feel it will give me an advantage when I am ready to pursue my career.”

Toohey put the finishing touches on his high school career two weeks ago when he competed in the Division II state meet in the 800 meter run. A week prior, at the regional, Toohey reset the the Martins Ferry school record in the two-lap race, blazing a 1:58.33. At the state meet, Toohey posted a 15th place finish. Toohey was the district champion in the event.

Along with his prowess in the 800, Toohey was versatile and ran on the Riders’ 4×400 relay that qualified for the regional as well.

Toohey had an equally impressive cross country season, proving he can run the longer distances effectively, too. He advanced to the Division II State Cross Country meet in 2021.

He was a four-time regional qualifier.

He earned All-OVAC, All-Buckeye 8 and All-Eastern District in cross.

“I really enjoyed my time in high school,” Toohey said. “I have many teammates who went from fields to family. I also look at (cross country coach) Chrissy Lewis like a second mother, and I know many of my teammates do as well. I am finishing this chapter of my life feeling proud and complete.”

Toohey knows a lot of work ahead if he’s going to duplicate the prep success he had at the collegiate level.

“I want to build a great base and improve and mileage this summer,” Toohey said. “I have to improve my mental strength during races and run a smarter race.

“I am striving to become like the top-end runners in the West Liberty program. I hope to benefit from the program and also hope to help the program succeed.”

On top of cross country and track, Toohey was a multiple-year letterman in bowling.

Along with his success in running, Toohey has been highly active in other areas, too. He’s been a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 11 years and has earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He’s qualified to attend the Martins Ferry Awards Banquet six times and was a four-year member of the Spanish Club.

Francis, who is the son of Paul Toohey and Richette Shafer, plans to major in health and physical education.