This year the JHS boy’s track team came into the season believing that they were the underdogs. After two years of a first place state relay team that held the state record in the 4 x 1, it seemed like losing that relay would by a wound that the team couldn’t recover from. Through one of the most intense years of training, this year’s boys track team came out even better than they ever had before.
Instead of earning their points through a few runners, like in the years before, the whole team really stepped up to make the difference. The first major indication of the team’s success was the first place plaque that they earned at an out of state track meet in Hannibal, Missouri. Never before, even in the years previous with the state record 4 x 100, had JHS gotten first place at this meet. JHS followed up this performance with the highest placement at the sectional track meet in JHS history as well with a second place finish.
The men’s track team sent twelve runners to sectionals with seven of them continuing on to state. With over half of the team placing in the top two in their event the boys will be bringing a large squad to state this year. Throwers Tavion Brown, and Gabe Megginson placed first and second in shot put, being the only event to send only athletes from one school. Devante Clark reached his goal of state in four events with a first place finish in three of them and a second place finish in the other.
This year was the most successful year JHS has seen for boy’s track. Coming out of an underdog outlook you never know what hard work and great coaching can really lead to some outstanding achievements.