It was a cold and rainy day at last weekend’s Dale Collier Invitational at Kirkwood, but that did not stop the athletes from putting on some sparkling performances.
The real show-stopping performance of the meet came from Cardinal Ritter’s 4×400-meter relay team of Jaden Williams, Lee Steward, Jameson Williams and Hasani Barr, who turned in an incredible time of 3 minutes 13.15 seconds, which is one of the fastest times in the country.
The Lions also won the 4×200-meter relay in 1:28.43 with Jameson Williams turning in an explosive anchor leg to overtake Rock Bridge in the final 50 meters. Barr finished first in the 400-meter dash in 49.66 seconds and senior Rasheed Ricketts won the triple jump with an effort of 47 feet 7 inches.
The East St. Louis Flyerettes won the girls’ team championship in convincing style as they dominated the sprint relays. The Flyerettes won the 4×100 in 49.74 seconds, the 4×200 in 1:44.6 and the 4×400 in an impressive time of 3:54.39. Jariah Turner won the 400 while Veronica Sherrod and Maysha Vickers finished first and second in the 300-meter low hurdles.
It was also an impressive day for the host Kirkwood Pioneers as senior Cooper Wise won the high jump by clearing 6 feet 8 inches. Wise also finished second in the triple jump with a 45-3. Senior distance runner Christian Baker was a double winner as he finished first in the 1,600 and 3,200-meter runs. The Pioneers’ girls also finished first in the 4×800-meter relay.
McCluer North’s dynamic duo of Michelle Owens and Lauryn Taylor also took home first-place finishes in their respective events. Owens finished first in the 100-meter high hurdles while Taylor took home first in the 100-meter dash.
A trio of talented freshman girls made their presence known with some impressive victories. Brooke Moore of Trinity won the triple jump with an effort of 38 feet 1 inch, Kayelyn Tate of Parkway Central won the 200 in a school-record time of 24.8 seconds and Kiara Strayhorn of Jefferson City won the long jump with a personal best of 19 feet 5 inches.
Clayton Invitational Standouts
The Marion Freeman Clayton Invitational was held last Friday night. Junior Josh Robinson of Hazelwood West put on another spectacular show as he won the 200-meter dash in a sizzling time of 20.98 seconds. Robinson has already clocked a 46.22 in the open 400-meter dash and a sub-45 second relay leg in the 4×400 earlier this season.
Hazelwood Central sprinter Danielle Frank was one of the top girls’ individuals at Clayton with victories in the 200 and 400. She won the 200 in 24.3 seconds and the 400 in 56.56 seconds. Pattonville’s girls were strong in the field events as Brooke Jenkins won the long jump with an 18-7 and the triple jump with a 37-10. Diamond Richardson won the shot put with an effort of 42-4.
East St. Louis boys’ basketball standout Terrance Hargrove Jr. came out for track and field just a couple of weeks ago and has become an immediate impact performer in the high jump. Hargrove won the high jump by clearing 6’8” and barely missed his three attempts at 6’10.”
Small School districts
The Missouri Class 1 and 2 district meets will be held around the St. Louis area on Saturday. Many of the Class 2 schools in the St. Louis area will be competing in the district meet at Principia High. The top four finishers in each event will advance to the sectionals on May 10. The Lutheran South Invitational will be held on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.
