FREDONIA — Rainy weather threatened to put a damper on things, but the storms passed in time for a full day of action at one of the signature track meets in the area: the Fredonia Relays.
Iola High’s athletes fared well against some sterling competition. The Mustang squads racked up 25 season- or personal-best marks on the day, head coach Dana Daugharthy said.
And of course, a workhorse was counted on to lead the Mustangs: senior Brett Willis.
Willis took home gold in the 100- and 200-meter dashes — both with personal-best times of 11.18 and 22.58 seconds, respectively — while placing second in the long jump.
“His sprint performances were some of the best times in the state this year,” Daugharthy said. “What is exciting is, I think there is room for improvement. Brett demonstrated at this meet that he is ready to take the next step.”
Meanwhile, Iola’s Jesse Taylor took second in the 3200 meters and fourth with a season-best time in the 1600 meters.
“Jesse has really impressed me,” Daugharthy said. “Jesse has only competed in three meets this year, but he has been consistently shaving time in all of his events.”
Eli Adams notched second in the 800 meters, just moments after running for a personal best in the 400.
“What I love about watching Eli when he runs is that he is a grinder,” Daugharthy said. “When he gets it in his mind that he is going to run with someone, then he will get right with that person. His attitude and approach is perfect for a 400/800 runner.”
Gage Skahan, despite jumping into a powerful head wind, took second in the triple jump.
“Gage is extremely coachable, and has great body awareness,” Daugharthy said. “The great news is there are specific things that I know can make him improve his jump by a foot or two.”
Skahan narrowly missed getting a personal record, but that jump was scratched because he stepped over the line, Daugharthy said.
Cole Moyer took third in the 3200, despite running most of the race by himself.
“He really did not have anyone out in front of him he could chase,” Daugharthy said.
Nevertheless, Moyer also set a personal mark in the 3200. “I’m very proud of his performance and effort tonight,” Daugharthy said.
