Under beautiful skies and slightly warmer-than-usual temperatures, the middle school boys’ and girls’ track teams delivered an impressive performance at the West Central Valley meet held in Stuart, Iowa.

The boys’ team rose to the occasion in dominant fashion, claiming the first-place trophy with a full-team effort that showcased both depth and determination. Personal records were set in all but three events, showing growth and continued development. Included in those PRs were eighth-graders Nicholas Vogel, earning fourth-place in the discus, and Reece Carlson. “I was very satisfied with the results of my events,” reflected eighth-grader Reece Carlson about Tuesday’s meet. “Throwing the disc and shot-put are my main focus. I spend lots of extra time researching how to get better. I feel like knowing that I had to really push myself to compete was the deciding factor of my performance. I stepped up to the rink and proceeded to throw three consecutive personal records in a row.” Carlson earned himself a second place victory in the shot put, a first place win in the discus, and a free hot dog to celebrate the accomplishment from Coach Graves. Also earning impressive accolades in field events were eighth-graders Tristan Hanson (1st) and Landyn Fisher (2nd) at the long jump pit, and seventh-grader Hudson Ulicki (3rd) and eighth-grader Boe Davis (4th) at the high jump.

From field competitions to sprints and distance events, the boys consistently scored points and competed with intensity. “I just ran as if someone was chasing me,” laughed seventh-grader Braxton Pierce, who ran in the evening’s distance medley team. While there were numerous standout performances, the boys’ 4x200 is one to highlight as Hudson Ulicki, Traysen Gutshall, Bennett Nolte, and Zaine Phillips turned heads with their speed and outstanding handoffs. “While I was waiting for my teammate to get to me, I was nervous. But then Bennett gave me the best handoff ever, and I knew I had to go,” said Phillips excitedly after his finish. 

Furthermore, eighth-grade leaders Tristan Hanson nabbed first in the 400-meter dash and Landyn Fisher secured it in the 100-meter hurdles. Adding to the victories were second-place finishes by Tristan Hanson in the 100-meter dash, Wyatt Meunch in the 200-meter dash, Griffin Vote in the 800-meter dash, Grant Peterson in the mile run, and Landyn Fisher in the 200-meter hurdles. Ultimately, our Jaguar studs displayed a competitive spirit and did what it took to secure a well-earned victory. 

The girls’ team also had a strong showing, finishing fourth overall, just narrowly missing third-place. Despite facing a few challenges throughout the meet, the team showed resilience and grit, pushing through adversity and continuing to compete at a high level until the very end. 

The feature spotlight for the lady Jags goes to seventh-grader Taylor Carlson, who set a new school record in the 800-meter dash—an outstanding achievement that she ran in 2:46.27. “I felt like I was a winner, and it felt good knowing I broke the record,” commented Carlson. “My new goal is to beat the record I’ve now set to make an even bigger challenge for the soon to be 7th- graders.”

With many other noteworthy races to highlight, the lady Jags’ 4x100 race claimed a very close second-place finish. Adley Davis (7), Tana Harrison (8), Reagan Cramer (7), and Ryleigh Bacon (7) ran like the wind, impressing fans, teammates, and coaches alike. When asked about the race, Davis exclaimed, “I love running with my group in the 4x100! I believe we do an amazing job, and I’m feeling really confident about our next meet. I believe we are going to do great things.” And great things they will. 

Also, feeling proud of an accomplishment was Kaylee Hicks (8) at the discus ring. “Before I threw my discus I was very frustrated, and I felt like I was not going to throw it very far; but when it was time for me to actually throw the discus, I used my anger to get it as far as it went.” Hicks ended up clenching a second-place finish with a PR of 63-00.00. Another celebration at disc to note was Brinlynn Alliger (7). Alliger’s face was alight as she threw three consecutive PRs, building her confidence in what can only be described as a beautiful display of pure happiness. “I felt like my throws Tuesday night were the best I've thrown so far. My goals are to just keep beating my PR and win races.”

Another outstanding highlight of the meet was the number of personal records achieved. The girls set 15 personal records—clear evidence of the athletes’ growth, hard work, and commitment this season. Seventh-grader Aleah Judson summed it up perfectly when she said, “After the track meet, I realized it’s not about winning; it’s about trying your best, even if your best is winning or losing your race. I love track because you get to cheer everybody on through their races. I’m glad I did track this year, and if anyone’s ever thinking about doing track, they should.”

Coaches praised both teams for their effort, noting that the boys “gave it their all” in every event to win the meet, while the girls demonstrated perseverance in the face of obstacles. “We believe in this group of girls. Now we’ve got to believe in ourselves—because based on what we saw Tuesday—the PRs, the new school record, how close we are—we know what we’re capable of. These PRs don’t happen by accident. That’s effort, that’s growth, and that’s our Jags showing up and competing at every practice, every meet.” 

With strong performances and continued improvement on full display by both teams, the seventh and eighth-grade Jaguars are building momentum as the season progresses and they prepare for their home meet on Monday, April 27.