Gabe D. surges in the 4×400. (Melanie Q./Staff)

After postponing a home meet on Wednesday, April 5, boys track traveled to Big Walnut on Saturday, April 8 for its first competiton of the season in the annual Red Edwards Golden Eagle Relays.

Field events began in the morning, each featuring a few competitors whose scores got added to determine the team’s final ranking. Long jumpers Jack H., Ayden N., and Patrick F. came in fifth by jumping 16’8.25”, 16’6.25”, and 15’4,” respectively.

Marcus J., Max Z., and Sebastian E. placed seventh in shot put with distances of 36’1.5”, 35’3”, and 31’9.5”.

In discus, Max Z., Marcus J., and Stavros M. threw 82’7”, 78’10”, and 75’7,” placing eighth.

High jumpers also finished eighth with Gabe D. clearing 5’4” and Jack H. jumping 5’2.” 

The running events started with a fifth place 20:53.29 finish in the 4x1600m by Dane C., Elliot S., Chris H., and Xander H. Then Jono H., Darrin H., Elliott S., and Dane C. ran in the lap medley  (800/400/1200/1600), clocking in at 11:58.59 for fourth.  

Transitioning to the sprinters, the 4x100m team of Justin A., Gabe E., Emmanuel J., and Charlie B. took  fifth with 45.35. Justin A., Gabe E., Emmanuel J., and Gabe D. secured fifth again in the 4x200m, finishing in 1:33.90. 

Dorian B., Isaac C., Ayden N., and Chris H. took fourth in the distance medley (800/200/400/1600) with 9:05.74. Distance runners Chris H., Dane C., Elliott S., and Xander H. concluded the meet in the 4x800m, running eighth in 9:30.28.

The team finished with 31 points and placed sixth out of 15 teams. Even with multiple Division I competitors, the boys had several impressive races, setting them up for the rest of the season.

Head Coach Chris Mealick said, “I see a lot of potential and . . .  a group of young adults that are hungry to get out there and compete.” 

The Vikes next meet is at home on Tuesday, April 11, and they travel to Liberty Union on Saturday, April 15.