Homer Middle School Huskies track and field athletes focused on having fun and reaching their personal bests at the Kenai Peninsula Borough meet in Kenai May 16. Coach Kellie Bowlin says her runners don’t need to come in first to be a success, just improving and working hard as an athlete can be a winner.
“Middle School track is about trying new things, improving their physical fitness and having fun,” said Bowlin. “The season was great, weather was beautiful and the athletes all worked hard. We have had five meets and all the athletes improved almost every time they competed. ”
Other schools competing were Soldotna, Seward, Nikiski, Chapman, Ninilchik and Cook Inlet Academy.
Sarah Wolf, 14, won the long jump event, was second in the 200 and 400 meter run. She plans on pursuing track in high school next year.
“I came a long way since last year,” she said. “It was a big learning experience this year.”
Jordan Beachy, 14, won the 1600 meter race and placed second in the 800 meter, as well as the 4×400 boys relay. He was five seconds shy of meeting his goal of finishing a mile in less than five minutes.
Charlie Menke, 14, took second in the 800 meter race, as well as the 4×200 relay, and won third in the long jump even.
“I had a lot of fun and broke personal records on every event,” he said. “I improved a lot.”
Bowlin was grateful for the support the team received from the community.
“I would like to just thank my helpers, Vicki Lowe, Katy Gatica, Mauricio Gatica, Amy Russell, Kari Dendurent and all the great parents and helpers who got things started and helped at the first track meet,” said Bowlin.
Following are results from Homer Middle School Track and Field athletes during Boroughs in Kenai on May 16.
Borough Champions:
Sarah Wolf: long jump, 3-9
Jordan Beachy:1600 meter, 5:05
Runners up, second place finishers:
Charlie Menke: 400 meter, 56.1
Jordan Beachy: 800 meter, 2:21
Sarah Wolf: 200 meter, 29.6; 400 meter, 1:04.6
Girls 4×100 relay team of Andie Sonnen, Calla Seay, Mia Axelson and Morgan Young, 59.02
Girls 4×200 relay team of Morgan Young, Brenna McCarron, Rhythm Beckett-Cook and Katie Davis, 2:06
Girls 4×400 relay team of Brenna McCarron, Rhythm Becket, Cook, Laci King and Jaylee Martushev, 4:50.70
Boys 4×100 relay team of Jacob Davis, Simon Dye, Lee Lowe and Joe Ravin, 55.28
Boys 4×200 relay team of Tim Blakely, Jacob Davis, Simon Dye, Charlie Menke, 1:47.53
Boys 4×400 relay team of Jordan Beachy, Jacob Davis, Charlie Menke and Tim Blakely, 4:04.3
3rd place finishers
Sarah Wolf: 100 meter, 14.2
Charlie Menke: long jump, 15-11
