The track season broke the tape in powerful fashion with the Black Bear Relays on March 25 at River View High School in Warsaw, Ohio. Of five teams competing, Mount Vernon dominated and Highland placed well.
Mount Vernon reached the podium 25 times and track coach Kathy Thayer said the Jackets have a strong group of upper classmen that will help lead the team this year, as well as a group of freshmen that have the potential to support the program. “There are 23 seniors on our team this season,” Thayer said. “Seven of whom have already signed or committed to compete at the next level; two have signed D2, one NAIA and four for D3.”
The Highland squad finished with 16 podium finishes and Eric Myers, Scots boys track coach, said, “The meet was crazy with the wind conditions but it was great to get the first one under our belt.”
Mount Vernon’s girls won five events, placed second six times and added two third-place finishes. In this relay-fest, MV won the 4x100, 4x200 and 800M sprint, and placed second in the 4x100 shuttle hurdle, 4x100, 4x400 and distance medley.
Brooklyn Thayer won the discus with a throw of 118-11. Makena Laslo won the pole vault at 8-0 and Bailey Thayer also reached 8-0 for third. Cora Rickett placed third in the high jump at 4-8. Elizabeth Lebold was second in the long jump at 13-8. Nevaeh Williams placed second in the shot put with a distance of 32-4.
Highland placed third in the girls 4x100 shuttle hurdle, 4x200, 4x400, 800M, 4x1600 and distance medley. Margaret Hennell placed third in the discus with a throw of 95-11 and Alexis Eusey was third in the shot put at 31-06.
Mount Vernon’s boys won eight events, and earned two seconds and two thirds.
MV won the 4x100, 4x200, 800M sprint medley, 4x1600, 4x400 and distance medley, and was second in the 4x100 shuttle hurdle. Jack Craigo won the triple jump at 38-3, Sami Lacksonen was second at 36-07.5. Kayleb James won the long jump at 17-9 and Craigo was third in the high jump at 5-10.
Highland placed second in the 4x800 and 4x1600, and picked up thirds in the 4x110 shuttle, 4x200 and distance medley. Gavin Hankins placed second in the long jump at 17-02.5 and he was third in the triple jump at 36-04. Manuel Parsley was third in the Discus at 111-0 and Benjamin Schwartz earned third in the shot put at 39-01.5
