After sweeping Region 7 last year, Harlan County will seek to secure another victory this season on home soil on Wednesday.
“We have a great opportunity to defend our titles. This is a much improved region in the last year, and we’ll have to be dialed in and ready to compete to match the intensity the other ten teams will bring,” Harlan County coach Ryan Vitatoe said. “At this point, what you’ve accomplished before this meet is irrelevant. Everyone is going to give their best effort, and if we aren’t ready to match that, it could make for a long evening.
“We are excited for the opportunity to host the regional meet this spring. It’s always nice to not have to spend several hours on the bus before competing, and these kids deserve the opportunity to defend their regional titles at home. It’s obviously a special opportunity for our seniors to close their career at their facility in front of our fans.”
“We have lots of individuals and relay teams who will be in the hunt for the top two spots and automatic state berths,” Vitatoe said. “The goal is to get as many in the state meet as possible, but we have to be focused on making sure we score two athletes in every event. That will be key to our chances of winning as a team. These kids have worked hard, and their development this season has been fun to watch.”
Luke Kelly, Ethan Simpson, Gage Bailey and Ray Splawn are expected to be key contributors.
“Obviously, Luke will be the favorite in the 100 and 200, and the sprint relays with Luke, Ethan, Gage and Ray are among the favorites,” Vitatoe said.
Elijah Moore, Kaden Boggs, Caleb Schwenke and Jacob Schwenke are anticipated to have a successful performance on Wednesday.
“The boys 4×800 (Elijah, Kaden, Caleb and Jacob) has been one of the best teams in the state all season and should have a good chance,” Vitatoe said.
“Kaden will have a great chance in the 1600 and 3200, and so will Caleb Schwenke,” Vitatoe said. “Elijah and Jacob have a great shot in the 800, and Jacob and Ethan Simpson have a great chance to go in the 400 as well.”
Drew Sergent and Cayden Craig are predicted to perform well.
“Drew and Cayden have done a great job in the hurdles and are among the best in the region,” Vitatoe said. “Baili (Bailey) has done a great job with her hurdlers this year.”
Peyton Jackson, Alex Greene and Brayden Clay are expected to play key roles.
“Our throwers will also have a great opportunity to make some noise in the region. Peyton, Alex and Brayden have worked hard this year,” Vitatoe said.
Jayce Brown, Bradley Brock, Evan Simpson and Caden Craig are anticipated to do well.
“Jayce and Brad have great chances at qualifying in the pole vault,” Vitatoe said. “Jayce is ranked in the top of the state, and Brad has really come on in the last few weeks.”
“Evan, Caden, and Brad will all have a great opportunity in the jumps,” Vitatoe said. “Bryan (Howard) has done a great job with them this season.”
“I knew coming into the season we’d be rebuilding the sprints with the girls we lost from last season, and our kids have done a tremendous job this season. Derek (Plitt) has them ready to compete, and they find themselves ranked firmly in the top two of both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays,” Vitatoe said.
Aliyah Deleon, Addi Gray, Jaylee Cochran, Makenna Dillman, Madison Daniels and Trinity Jones are predicted to have pivotal roles.
“Aliyah, Addi, Jaylee, Makenna, and Maddie have done a great job this season, and their development has been fun to watch,” Vitatoe said. “Aliyah and Jaylee will have a great opportunity in both the 100 and 200 dash.
“Madison Daniels figures to be one of the favorites in the pole vault and long jump. Trinity will have a great chance in the pole vault as well, being ranked in the top two heading into region. Abby (Vitatoe) has done a great job of prepping them for this meet.”
Ali Hensley, Addyson Caldwell and Addison Day are expected to have a good performance.
“Our throwers have been fantastic this season as well. Ali and Addy have taken off in the shot, and Addi Day has had a great season with the discus,” Vitatoe said. “They’ll all have a chance to advance. Jacob (Carroll) has done a great job with them this season.”
Maddi Middleton is anticipated to be a big contributor.
“Maddi Middleton figures to be one of the favorites in the high jump. Her marks are among the best in the state. Trinity is in contention in the high jump as well,” Vitatoe said. “Madison Blanton has done a great job with our high jumpers this season.”
Lauren Lewis, Kiera Roberts, Preslee Hensley, Peyton Lunsford, Jaycee Simpson and Gracie Roberts are slated to play key roles.
“Our girls 4×800 (Lauren, Kiera, Preslee, and Peyton) is ranked among the state’s best and should have a great chance of advancing,” Vitatoe said. “The 4×400 (Lauren, Preslee, Peyton, and Jaycee) has a great chance as well.
“Peyton and Lauren are ranked among the region’s best in the 400 and 800. Gracie and Kiera have a great chance at advancing in the 1600 and 3200. They’re both ranked highly in the region.”
“Like the sprints, we knew hurdles would be an area we’d have to develop this season after losing two great hurdlers, and Preslee and Trinity have done a great job,” Vitatoe said. “They’ll both have a good shot at advancing.
“Ashton Evans was ranked among the region’s best, but sustained an injury that ended her season. I’m heartbroken for her. She’s worked so hard and was having a stellar senior season. Make no mistake about it, she has a big hand in whatever happens on Wednesday.”
“We’re fortunate to have a lot of kids who will be in the conversation for automatic (and at large) bids,” Vitatoe said.
“We have a great opportunity in front of us, and I think we have a chance to defend our titles if we show up and compete. We have to focus on scoring two in every event (as high as possible),” Vitatoe said. “Regardless of what happens, I’m proud of this team. We have a special group that is led by an amazing group of seniors. I hope they embrace the moment of competing together one last time at home. It’ll be a big stage, but we’re prepared.”
Harlan County will compete in the Class 2A, Region 7 meet at home on Wednesday.
