(Atlantic) The Atlantic boys’ track team is gearing up for a packed schedule this weekend, with athletes competing in five relay races and four individual events at the state meet.
Junior sprinter Ethan McNeal leads the charge, having qualified in the 4×100-meter relay and the 100,200, and 400 meters. Head Coach Abby Becker says McNeal will compete in all three individual sprint events today.
The 4×800 meter relay team—Preston Williams, Vincent Meisinger, Mason Betts, and Colin Rudy—will take the track at 12:10 p.m. today. Rudy is also a qualifier in the 400 meters. Coach Becker notes that Rudy’s endurance gives him a competitive edge in both events.
This afternoon at 2:00 p.m., the underclassmen squad of Grant Petty, Jaxon Hepler, Zander Killion, and Shelton Mualia will compete in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay.
Atlantic’s 4×100 meter relay team—Zander Killion, Ethan McNeal, Jarrett Hansen, and Tye Houser—has the 13th-fastest time in Class 3A. Their season-best mark of 43.11 has them aiming even higher this weekend.
In field events, Xavier Darrow and Gavin McLaren will compete in both the shot put and discus. Darrow has a season-best discus throw of 160-02, while McLaren has thrown 150-04. In the shot put, McLaren boasts a top mark of 55-08.50, and Darrow has hit 50-00.50.
The Trojans Sprint Medley Relay team, featuring Killion, Houser, Hansen, and Petty, will take the track at 9:50 a.m. on Saturday.
