In April 2 Issue
By Misty Matney
RCHS Track Coach

The Russell County track and field teams competed in their first meet at the Somerset All Comers on Tuesday, March 24.

The majority of the boy’s and girl’s teams are young and inexperienced, but show great heart and potential at this early point in the season.

Leading the girl’s team was senior Ashley Wilson. Ashley had a personal best shot put throw of 33-03, taking first place in that event as well as the discus event. Ashley is currently holding the top ranking position in the region for the shot put.

Whitney Grider, junior, also scored in the 100 meter dash, 4X200 meter Relay and the long jump.

Ally Harris, eighth grade, placed a strong third in the 400 meter dash, and was also on the 4X400 meter Relay team. Tara Sayer and Kelsey Haydon were the remaining members of the 4 X200 meter Relay.

Heather Owens and Emily York rounded out top ten performances in the 800 meter run, with both girls being new to the track program. The girl’s 4X400 meter Relay consisting of Haydon, Sayer, Katie Williams and Harris scored with a fifth place finish.

Selena Padilla showed her high jumping skills making a fifth place finish, being the only middle school athlete in the event. The girl’s team took sixth place overall out of ten teams.

There are so many girls that are making huge improvements and have great potential that I look for strong team finishes as the season moves on. Having the first meet over will calm nerves and more knowledge on how a track meet is run will help all the participants.

The boy’s team has several members that showed strong in events and for the first meet. Landon Meece, senior, holds the top ranking spot in the 100 meter dash for the region currently.

Landon placed second in the 100 meter dash running with a strained hamstring.

Landon did not compete in any other event due to injury.

Jamison Meece won the 110 meter high hurdles, even after a fall over the last hurdle. Joe Meza and Jackson Evans came in third and fourth in the 300 meter hurdles.

Trevor Robertson, seventh grade, led the boy’s team with a fourth place finish in the 1600 meter run and a second place finish in the 3200 meter run.

Aaron Pierce looked strong in the 400 meter dash starting his season with a time that compares to his end-of-season time last year. Chase Carnes did well in the high jump with a fifth place finish.

Codey Bell also had a fifth place finish in the shot put with a throw of 39-04.75.

The boy’s team took fifth place overall out of ten teams, and did well considering the lack of experience for the team.

The next competition ion will take place Friday, April 3rd at Somerset for the Pulaski County Invitational.

The Lakers are continuing to practice each day in preparation for their upcoming weeks and are expected to improve dramatically going forward.