Despite cold temperatures and rainy conditions, Academy’s track and field teams competed in two meets last week, highlighted by Senior Night and several standout performances.
On Wednesday, Academy hosted Bishop Watterson in a dual meet, honoring 13 seniors: Scott, Brian, Hanna, Mila, Miranda, Lizzie, Dane, Jaxon, Sebastian, Chris, Cody, Zoe, and Henry. As temperatures hovered in the 50s, athletes battled through damp conditions across all areas.
On the girls side, Morgan S. led the throwing events, winning shot put with a mark of 33-0 and placing second in discus. On the track, Chi Chi dominated, taking first in both the 100 (13.49) and 200 (29.11) aces, while Mila B. followed with a second-place finish in the 100 (14.19). Seniors girls Hanna, Mila, Miranda, and Lizzie competed together in the 4×200, earning them second. In addition, they had fun together in the 4×100, running a strong race along with their added special handoffs of leapfrog, knighting, and tug-of-war.
The boys team fell just short of Watterson, scoring four fewer points. Distance runners Andy B. (4:56.77) and Giuseppe P. (5:02.83) controlled the 1600-meter race, finishing first and second. In the hurdles, Henry S. claimed first in the 300 (47.45), and placed again in the open 200. The boys 4×400 and 4×800 races also took first, running strong races despite no competition on the track.
Field events proved to be a major strength, with Brian A. winning shot put (48-3.25) and Cody H. taking first in discus (139-1). In the jumps, Lyndon S. secured second in high jump, while Colin M. and Desmond W. added strong finishes in long jump.
Two days later, Academy traveled to compete in an invitational meet hosted by Fredericktown at Highland. With temperatures in the mid-40s and light rain throughout the evening, athletes faced tougher competition and conditions.
Chi Chi stood out again for the girls team, placing fourth in the 100 (13.50) and fifth in the 200 (27.87). Distance runners Claire C. (6:00.67) and Claire H. (13:43.29) contributed key finishes in the 1600 and 3200, earning eighth and fourth place, respectively. On the boys side, Clement W. led the team with top ten finishes in the 100 and 200, followed by Dane C. with a ninth-place finish in the 800 (2:08.06). At the conclusion of the meet, Academy’s girls team placed tenth of 13 teams, scoring 15 points, and the boys team tied for thirteenth of fourteen teams, scoring only two points.
Looking ahead, Academy will send athletes to Worthington Christian’s Junior Varsity Invitational, as the varsity team prepares for the upcoming CBL championship.
