Ten athletes from Mount Vernon High School participated in the SPIRE Institute Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 8, competing against top contenders from across Ohio.
According to the event results, the Yellow Jackets demonstrated a strong performance at the state meet, with the women’s team breaking three school records. Junior Lucy Rush set two new school records. She placed seventh in the state in the 1600-meter run, improving her previous time by 14 seconds to finish in 5:10.13. Rush also broke her own school record in the 3200-meter run, enhancing her time by four seconds to 11:35.78.
Junior Kennedy Howard made history in the pole vault by clearing 12 feet, setting a new school record and earning a fourth-place finish in the state. Senior Sami Lacksonen reached the podium as well, securing eighth place in the triple jump.
Despite facing illness late in the season, according to coach Kathy Thayer, the boys’ 4x400-meter relay team—comprising seniors Brady Wiles, Cole Wilson, Kalman Kanuckel, and junior Brady Milles—competed at the state level. Wiles also qualified for both high jump and long jump events, while junior Ben Fitpatrick competed in long jump and triple jump.
"I am proud of the work these athletes have put in this season," Thayer said. "The boys faced late-season illnesses that impacted their performances at the state meet, but the leadership from our seniors helped drive the team and push our newer athletes to succeed. Their work ethic and dedication paved the way for success this season and will transition nicely to our outdoor season."
The Mount Vernon indoor track and field team concluded their season with 11 new school records and will now focus on preparing for their upcoming outdoor track and field season.
