Wet weather doesn't spoil Hershey meet

Rain may have dampened the track and infield at Central Junior High School on Saturday morning, but little could dampen the spirits of the 28 athletes who competed in the Hershey Track and Field Youth Meet.

Competitors from as far north as Perryville and as far south as Sikeston participated in the event. The Hershey track meet is open to youths 9 to 14.

The winner of each event automatically qualifying for the state meet June 25 in Jefferson City, Mo.

Event coordinator Jason Karnes said the Hershey meet is always an enjoyable event and draws athletes of various skills and backgrounds.

"It's a fun event, especially for the kids," he said. "You don't have to have a lot to do this."

For some of the athletes, the Hershey meet is an introduction to track and field. Dominic Fondon, a 14-year-old from Sikeston, has spent most of his summer break on the basketball court before hitting the track on Saturday.

"I just wanted to try it out," Fondon said.

Fondon found the track to his liking, winning the 100- and 200-meter dashes in times of 12.46 and 26.37 seconds, respectively. Heading into eighth grade, Fondon may have found another sport in which to compete.

Fondon said Saturday was a good way to get a feel for track.

"I tried to find out what I'm best in," he said.

Dalton Wilson also was a double winner in the 100- and 200-meter dashes in the 11-12 age group. Megan Dienstbach picked up wins in the 100 and 200 as well in the 9-10 age group.

Morgan Bean and Rita Walter each picked up three wins in the girls 11-12 and 13-14 age groups, respectively. Walter won the 100, 200 and standing long jump. Bean had wins in the 100, 400 and long jump.

Despite the rain, which turned into a downpour at times, all of the events were completed. Rain did turn some athletes away, though.

"I think we would have had a lot more," he said. "We were planning on having a track club from Illinois. It affected a lot of people."