Tigers' turn to reign

After three straight days of clouds, rain and cold weather, Central and Jackson were treated to a day of clear skies and sun for Thursdays' dual track and field meet at Central Junior High School.

The Tigers swept the meet, taking the boys competition 81-65 and the girls competition 79-61. But with makeshift lineups for some events on both sides due to injury, schedules and inactivity, just getting on the track and competing was enough for both coaches.

"I am tickled to death we had a beautiful day of weather," Central coach Lawrence Brookins said.

For Jackson coach Bob Sink, whose team will compete at Farmington today, Thursday's dual meet is just another practice tool as his team works toward the postseason.

"Every meet is a developmental meet for the state meet as far as I'm concerned," he said.

Jackson freshman Heather Hilemnan was a big winner, taking first in the 100 hurdles (17.9), 300 hurdles (53.74) and the high jump (4-10). Lucas McIntosh was also a double winner for the Indians in the 110 and 300 hurdles.

"By and large, I'm pleased with the way our kids competed," Sink said.

A couple of performances that stood out for the Indians included pole vaulter Amy West, who won with a height of 10 feet, and Andy Glass, who won the shot put with a throw of 54 feet, 1 1/2 inches. Both athlete's performances would have ranked in the top eight at the state meet last year. The 800 relay team of Jordan Cook, Jenna Holten, Rebecca Martin and Rachel Kahle also was impressive in victory.

"Those kids there had pretty good marks," Sink said. "We had some good marks on the track too. Our 4x200 ran a 1:47, which is their best time they've run."

For the Tigers, Dani Gross won the long jump (15-6 3/4) and the triple jump (32-7 1/2). Tiger sophomore Nicole Jackson won the 200 in 25.52, while fellow sophomore Allen Walker won the boys 200 in 22.34

Brookins said with this week's layoff there were not many top times put up on Thursday.

"Coming off two days of inactivity and just a little workout yesterday, it was tough for some of the kids mentally," he said.

The times may have left a little to be desired, but with two rivals competing there was still plenty of motivation and friendly competition on the track.

"They get a little juiced up for that," Brookins said. "It's all in good fun."

Added Sink: "It's close, both of us have good facilities. It makes for a fun day, particularly when the weather's good."