A track and field season with numerous underclassmen and those stepping into new roles was a scary thought for many Brentwood Christian runners. Through hard work and dedication, however, the group was able to meet and exceed expectations.
Both the boys and girls teams had to rebuild the program after losing many talented seniors and moving up to 5A, but even with these obstacles, the season was nothing short of a success.
“[The team] improved with more experience, training, and participating in more field events,” said varsity girls head coach Katie Smith.
The girls team had many accomplishments this year including finishing second in the district meet, with multiple podium finishes. Some standouts included junior Caitlin Welsh (first, 4x100;
second, 100 hurdles, triple and long jump), Harper Counts (first, 3200; second, 1600; third, 4x400) and Ava Johnson (first, 4x100, 200; second, 100).
The boys had their share of successes as well. As a team, they finished fourth in district and pushed all three relays to regionals. In individual events, seniors Hollis Harlan and Griffin Smith performed exceptionally, where both had multiple top three finishes and represented their team well.
Unfortunately during regionals, due to a sudden injury, junior Josh Gonzalez wasn’t able to compete in the 4x200 and 4x400 relays. Junior Jack Hansen stepped up and ran in Gonzalez’s spot.
Despite the effort of the boys, the relays were not able to qualify for state, but Griffin Smith and Gonzalez were able to make it in their respective events, 110 hurdles and discus.
The girls team placed fourth at regionals and qualified eight girls to the state meet. At the state level, the girls and boys performed exceptionally, leaving with personal records in almost every category.
Harper and Hailyn Counts both landed podium finishes in the 3200, and Harper Counts also received third in the 1600 run. Sophomore Lynden Worley was sixth in the high jump, sophomore Anu Oguntade was sixth in the 300 hurdles, and Johnson was seventh in the 100.
Griffin Smith finished sixth in the 110 hurdles, Welsh was seventh in tri ple jump and the girls 4x200 relay was seventh. Joshua Gonzalez ended his season by breaking the discus school record with a throw of 142 feet, finishing fourth in state.
Assistant coach Veronika Eke felt good about the season. Despite her mixed feelings over losing so many seniors last season, she feels the new athletes did well and is looking forward to the next few years of their performance.
“These new runners and new experience brought back my love for track and field,” said Eke.
Though challenging, this season left many participants with many amazing memories. Track allows for connection with the team and the opportunity to meet other athletes at competing
schools.
“It was fun to run and a good way for improving and making new friend ships,” said junior Ian Wiggins.
This year, the track program was honored to have seven seniors: Afton Harlan and Charis McGaughy for the girls, and Hollis Harlan, Conor Schehl, Griffin Smith, Caden Shockey, and Max Fuentes on the boys side.
All of these young men and women showed leadership and served as an example to their peers throughout the track season, as well as outside of meets in practices and training.
“This has been a difficult year but despite the challenges, I think we’ve really pushed ourselves to be better and have overcome so much,” said Afton Harlan.
Next season, track has plans to continue to grow. With the team’s work ethic and dedication, this goal is in reach.
For full results from state, click the link below.
