The Harlan County track team hosted the Coal Miners Memorial Invitational on Friday and placed second in both divisions with 163 points in the boys competition and 127 in the girls. Corbin won the boys division (170 points), while Leslie County won the girls division (178 points).

“I’m proud of our guys tonight. We fought Corbin hard until the very last event and that will go a long way in our growth as a team”, HC coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “Not having the ability to pole vault definitely hurt us, but I’m so proud of their effort. They fought hard for each other.”

Harlan placed fourth in the boys division, while the girls were fifth. Leslie was third in the boys division, followed by Harlan, Bell County and Perry Central. Corbin was third in the girls division, followed by Perry Central, Harlan and Bell County.

“We had a pretty good meet. There’s a few things that we have to tighten up. But for it still to be early in the season myself and the other coaches feel like we are where we should be with it being early on,” Harlan coach Trent McKenzie said.

To lead the Bears, Luke Kelly won the 100- and 200-meter dash. Tanner Daniels won the 3,200-meter run. Dallas Sergent was the overall winner in the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. Gavon Spurlock was first in long jump, as well as second in high jump and triple jump. Connor Blevins won shot put and discus. Seth Robinson won unified shot put.

“Luke had another big night. It’s no secret anymore that he’s one of the top sprinters in the state. Tanner is finding his legs and had impressive races and a big win in the 2 mile,” Vitatoe said.

Andrew Yeary finished second in the 800- and 1,600-meter run.

“Connor and Dallas had huge nights individually. I can’t say enough about those two guys and what they bring to us,” Vitatoe said. “Dallas will jump in anything I ask him to get in if it will help the team, which shows great character and leadership. Connor is also an incredible leader and is a steady voice within our program. Andrew was also really solid tonight.”

Hunter Crain, Taelor Haywood, Kelly and Sergent finished third in the 4 x 100 meter relay.

Austin Crain, Kelly, Sergent and Hunter Crain placed third in the 4 x 200 meter relay.

Austin Crain, Jacob Schwenke, Yeary and Bryan Howard were second in the 4 x 400 meter relay.

Austin Crain, Yeary, Jacob Schwenke and Caleb Schwenke finished third in the 4 x 800 meter relay.

Blevins, Brayden Clay, Jacob Shoemaker and Braxton Cornett were third in the throwers 4 x 100 meter relay.

Brayden Howard placed third in triple jump.

Kaleb Michael was second in unified shot put.

“We have to get healthy fully on the boy’s side. It was nice getting Gavon back, and he looked really strong in the jumps after his injury. But we have a couple more guys we have to get back in the fold,” Vitatoe said. “One thing I love about this group is their willingness to do whatever helps the team, and that’s kept us afloat while we’re waiting on folks to get healthy.”

To lead the Dragons, Jaedyn Gist finished second in the 100-meter dash.

Kaleb McLendon, Darius Akal, Will Austin and Gist finished second in the 4 x 100 meter relay.

Tayquan Vick, Akal, Austin and Gist were second in the 4 x 200 meter relay.

Ethan Shuler was third in high jump.

Trenton Childers placed third in shot put.

Ella Karst led the Lady Bears by winning the 200-meter dash and placing third in the 100-meter dash. Paige Phillips was first in the 100-meter hurdles and high jump, as well as third in the 300-meter hurdles.

“I thought the girls competed hard. I think we were a little flat tonight, and that 100% falls on me for not having them ready to go. However, I do think they competed hard,” Vitatoe said. “I tip my cap to Leslie County and their staff. They were ready to roll.”

Taytum Griffin, Karst, Emilee Eldridge and Aliyah Deleon won the 4 x 200 meter relay, as well as placing second in the 4 x 100 meter relay.

Taylor Lunsford, Brooklyn Burke, Whitney Noe and Lacey Robinson were first in the throwers 4 x 100 meter relay.

Lauren Lewis finished third in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter run.

Addi Gray, Preslee Hensley, Lewis and Peyton Lunsford finished third in the 4 x 800 meter relay.

“Getting Peyton back is a huge lift, and as she rounds into shape she’ll be a big help for us,” Vitatoe said. “We have a lot of talented girls on this team. This stinks, but we will come out better for it.”

Maddi Middleton placed third in triple jump.

Taylor Lunsford was second in shot put.

“Paige had another big night. She is a great athlete who excels in whatever she’s in. I appreciated how Ella responded in the 200 after a tough 100 meter race, and I’m proud of the 4×200 girls for picking up a win,” Vitatoe said. “Maddi is rounding into shape in the jumps, and Taylor is finding her form in the throws.

“I love this team of girls. Taytum had the stomach flu Thursday, but showed up to compete (and competed hard) tonight. You have a kid like Lauren Lewis, who is in her first season come out and run four events,” Vitatoe said. “These are just two examples of the kind of dedication we have on this team.”

Marissa Marlowe placed second in discus and third in shot put to lead the Lady Dragons.

HC will return to action Friday at Williamsburg in an all-comers meet. Harlan will travel to Leslie County for a meet on Tuesday.