By David Rogers. MARVIN RIDGE, N.C. — There is a youth movement happening in Watauga High School’s track and field program, with a large number of freshmen and sophomore athletes competing on both the men’s and women’s events. While none of the Pioneers took top honors in any of the events staged at the March 16 Marvin Ridge Invitational, there were several bright spots and broad participation.
In the Men’s Pole Vault, senior Clayo Kulcyk and junior Luke Wilson both finished in the top four, No. 2 and No. 4, respectively, among the 13 finalists in the event.
In the Women’s Division of the Pole Vault, Olivia Burroughs earned a tie for the No. 3 spot, out of 17 vaulters in the finals.
There were more than 40 schools competing in the Marvin Ridge Invitational, so more than 1,000 athletes are estimated to have been vying for top finishes and personal records.
Other highlights:
- Sadie Buchanan was No. 2 in the 100 Meter Hurdles final and No. 3 in the 300 Meter Hurdles final. There were 36 athletes competing in the 100m event and 38 competing in the 300IH.
- Lainey Johnston was No. 9 in the 800 Meter Run of of 43 competing.
- Janie Beach-Verhay placed No. 11 in the 1600 Meter Run out of 42 competing.
- Olivia Burroughs finished No. 9 in the Discus, with 27 competing and No. 9 in the Shot Put with 29 competing athletes
- Will Bradbury finished No. 10 at the 800 Meter distance out of 58 competing.
- Landon Smith earned a No. 6 finish in the 110 Meter Hurdles event, with 24 athletes competing.
- Nyle Peays and Landon Smith tied for No. 8 in the 300 Meter Hurdles, with 34 athletes competing.
- Carson Gunnell-Beck took No. 8 in the Discus, with 28 competing.
- In the Shot Put, Caleb Dewey took the No. 8 spot among 24 contestants.
FULL WATAUGA RESULTS
