The Harlan County track team opened its season with an impressive performance at Union County in the Danny Davis Memorial on Thursday.
The Bears and Lady Bears won their divisions with 146 and 191.5 points, respectively.
“I’m super proud of these kids tonight. Both teams were focused on being competitive and I felt like we were really focused across the board,” Harlan County track coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “We had kids who had huge nights tonight.”
To lead the boys, Luke Kelly won the 100- and 200-meter dash, breaking the school record in the 200-meter dash. Jacob Schwenke won the 800-meter run. Dallas Sergent won the 110- and 300-meter hurdles. Taelor Haywood, Kelly, Sergent and Ethan Simpson won the 4 x 200-meter relay.
“I’m proud of Luke. That’s a really fast time and a new school record as well. He just keeps getting stronger,” Vitatoe said. “Dallas also had a huge night.”
Bryan Howard finished 10th in the 200-meter dash.
In the 400-meter dash, Jacob Schwenke was fifth. He was immediately followed by Evan Simpson and Bryan Howard.
Gage Bailey placed fourth in the 800-meter run.
Kaden Boggs was third in the 1,600-meter run. Caleb Schwenke finished fifth.
In the 3,200-meter run, Caleb Schwenke finished second. He was immediately followed by Kaden Boggs. Kaylob Stevens placed eighth.
Brayden Howard placed seventh in the 110-meter hurdles and sixth in the 300-meter hurdles. He also placed sixth in triple jump.
In long jump, Haywood was seventh. Bradley Brock placed tenth. Brock was also tenth in triple jump.
In shot put, Peyton Jackson and Bradley Henson placed second and third, respectively. Jacob Shoemaker was fifth, while Liam Garland was seventh.
Alex Greene placed ninth in discus.
Haywood, Kelly, Sergent and Ethan Simpson finished third in the 4 x 100-meter relay.
In the 4 x 400-meter relay, Bailey, Jacob Schwenke, Ethan Simpson and Evan Simpson placed fourth.
Bailey, Boggs, Caleb Schwenke and Jacob Schwenke finished second in the 4 x 800-meter relay.
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Lauren Lewis led the girls, winning the 800-meter run. Gracie Roberts won the 1,600- and 3,200-meter run. Paige Phillips won the 100- and 300-meter hurdles and triple jump. Addi Gray, Preslee Hensley, Peyton Lunsford and Lewis won the 4 x 800-meter relay.
“Paige had a huge night tonight, and Gracie picked up her first two wins,” Vitatoe said.
In the 100-meter dash, Aliyah Deleon finished sixth. Ella Karst placed eighth, immediately followed by Makenna Dillman and Madison Daniels.
Deleon was also sixth in the 200-meter dash. She was immediately followed by Jaylee Cochran, Ella Karst and Brianna Howard.
Gray placed sixth in the 400-meter dash. Brianna Howard was seventh, while Preslee Hensley finished eighth.
In the 800-meter run, Kiera Roberts was fourth, immediately followed by Preslee Hensley.
Lunsford finished third in the 1,600-meter run. Lewis and Kiera Roberts placed fourth and fifth, respectively. Lunsford was second in the 3,200-meter run.
Heaven Hensley was second in the 100-meter hurdles and third in the 300-meter hurdles. Ashton Evans fifth in the 100-meter hurdles and sixth in the 300-meter hurdles.
In high jump, Phillips placed fourth. Heaven Hensley and Hailie Hensley were fifth and seventh, respectively.
Heaven Hensley was fifth in long jump. Daniels placed seventh, while Hailie Hensley was eighth.
Hailie Hensley placed sixth in triple jump.
Whitney Noe was fifth in discus.
In shot put, Kailey Shepherd was second. Addyson Caldwell and Allison Hensley were sixth and ninth, respectively.
Deleon, Dillman, Macy Jones and Cochran placed fourth in the 4 x 100-meter relay.
In the 4 x 200-meter relay, Deleon, Gray, Jones and Brianna Howard finished second.
Gray, Brianna Howard, Charli Shepherd and Preslee Hensley placed third in the 4 x 400-meter relay.
“I am pleased with how hard they competed. We have several who are just getting their legs under them. We had several who’ve only been with us in the last week due to winter sports, but they did great.
“I’m excited about this team. We have a great group of veterans mixed with a lot of new faces. I also appreciate how they all compete for each other. There’s no selfishness in this group.
“We have lots to improve on, but this is a great starting point. Now we go back to work to get ready for next week.”
HC will return to action Friday at home for the all-comers meet.
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The Harlan track team opened its season in Jonesville, Va., at Lee High School on March 20.
Emma Owens led the Lady Dragons, winning the 200-meter dash. She also placed sixth in the 100-meter dash, sixth in triple jump and eighth in long jump.
Gwendolyn Toll finished 10th in the 800-meter run.
Tess Bryson was 10th in discus and eighth in shot put. Asia Young was sixth in shot put.
To lead he Dragons, Tanner Daniels won the 800-meter and 1,600-meter run, while Kyler McLendon won the 200-meter dash. McLendon also placed fifth in the 400-meter dash.
Noah Sharpe was ninth in the 200-meter dash
Darius Akal finished fourth in the 100-meter dash and third in long jump.
Saylor was sixth in high jump.
Trenton Childers placed third in shot put and ninth in discus.
The 4 x 100 meter-relay team finished third.
Harlan will return to action Friday at Harlan County for the all-comers meet.