GARNETT — The Iola Mustangs hope to build from the momentum generated at Thursday’s Anderson County Invitational.
With multiple first-place finishes at their second meet of the season, Iola coach David Daugharthy feels their performances may just be the beginning of a long run to the state meet.
“We had a lot of really good results. In the throws, we had at least nine personal bests,” Daugharthy said. “On the track, with this wind, it was tough to get personal bests, but we ran really, really well. All of the guys’ relay teams medaled today. The last time that happened for us was six or seven years ago.”
Cortland Carson took the boys’ only gold medal in an individual event and also assisted in multiple medal-qualifying runs for the relay teams. After taking first in the 300 hurdles in 43.73, Carson assisted the 100-meter relay team in taking third, the 800-meter relay team taking second and the 400-meter relay team taking third.
Daugharthy noted Carson’s progress. “He shaved 2 seconds off his 300-meter hurdle time in this wind. That’s really going to put him in a good spot.”
Daugharthy also noted the success of Konner Larney’s time of 12.71 in the 100 meters, and of Rohan Springer’s pole vault fifth-place finish at 9’11”.
“We really had some really good individual performances.”
Keegan Hill, who qualified for state last year, also had a strong day. Hill took second in the 3200 and 1600 with a time of 5:09.37 while also assisting in the relay team’s success.
“He ran really well. I think he’s setting up for a strong finish. We’re only two meets in and he’s doing a really, really good job so far,” Daugharthy said.
While the Iola girls did not have as much success as the boys, they did make great strides in improving their times and distances.
Mahailie Genoble takes off while assisting the Iola 4×800 team take third place.
Mahailie Genoble took first in the 300-hurdles with a time of 50.5 and assisted the 800-meter relay team’s third-place finish along with Cristina Lopez, Ari Ramirez and Madeleine Wanker. In the 100-meter dash Abigail Jerome and Keysha Smith posted top 10 finishes. Jerome took seventh (15.29) while Smith took 10th (15.34).
“Our team is running really strong, and I am pleased with where they are at,” Daugharthy said.
The Mustangs have two scheduled meets next week. They return to action as Riverside Park hosts the Waverly Invitational Tuesday, then they head on the road Thursday for the Fredonia Invitational.
Scores as available before press time
Girls
100 meters — 7. Abigail Jerome, 15.29; 10. Keysha Smith 15.34; 30. Mahala Burris 17.25;
Long Jump — 9. Keysha Smith, 14-4
200 meters — 17. Keysha Smith, 31.8, 21. Abigail Jerome, 32.15
