(Atlantic) The Atlantic High School boys’ track team has 45 athletes on its roster this season, and a strong group of returning state qualifiers.
Atlantic Head Boys’ Track Coach Abby Becker says the weather has allowed for some good workouts.
The Trojans graduated some key performers, including Xavier Darrow in the throws and sprinters Jarrett Hansen and Ty Houser. However, a strong core of athletes returns to the lineup again this year.
The returning state-qualifying sprinters include Ethan McNeal and Zander Killion. McNeal advanced to the state meet in the 100, 200, 400, and the Sprint Medley Relay, recording season-best times of 10.97 in the 100 meters, 22.35 in the 200, and 50.66 in the 400.
Killion is coming off an impressive freshman season, highlighted by his role on the 4×100-meter relay team that placed seventh at the Class 3A State Meet with a season-best time of 42.85.
The team did lose two key sprinters to graduation in Jarrett Hansen and Ty Houser. However, two members of last year’s state-qualifying Sprint Medley Relay return this season—Grant Petty and Killion.
The state-qualifying Shuttle Hurdle Relay also returns intact, with all four runners back: Petty, Jaxon Hepler, Killion, and Shelton Mualia. In addition, three of the four runners on last season’s state-qualifying 4×800-meter relay squad return, including Preston Williams, Mason Betts, and Colin Rudy. Gavin McLaren also returns after qualifying for state in the throws.
