Kokomo Tribune - Tuesday, March 31, 2009

BOYS TRACK - Western 77, Taylor 50

Taylor gave Western a run for the money,' but the Panthers' depth was too much in the end. Western had two of the top three. places in 10 of 16 events.

"Taylor is much improved," Western coach Marvin Boswell said. "They have some good quality athletes. Their hurdlers and sprinters are running well –my hat goes off to their coach (Steve Hanlon)."

Zac Martinez led the Panther pack as a triple winner. Martinez won the 800-meter run (2:06.8). Chris Love, Kody Harmon and John Capps joined Martinez in winning the 3,200 relay (8:42.0), and Martinez, Love and Harmon teamed with Daltton Head in taking the 1,600 relay (3:47.1).

Corey Scott, Love and Harmon were double winners for Western. Scott ran first in the 1,600 run (4:32) and 3,200 run (9:49).

"Our distance events is what put the distance between us and Taylor," added Boswell. "Scott led the distant races in the 1,600 and 3,200. He is coming off a big indoor season. Martinez ran well in the relays."

Other winners for Western were Jerel Hall (200 dash, :23.1), Dean Shepherd (pole vault 14-feet), Bart Shepherd (discus, 131-9) and Trevor Buckalew (shot put, 131-11.5).

Austen Conwell led Taylor as a double winner. Conwell won the 110 hurdles (:15.6) and 300 hurdles (:42.1). Other winners were Shawn Fogleman (100 dash, :11.3), Andrea Ghilotti (400 dash, :56.5), Walt Wheeler (high jump; 5-8) and Gordon Jenkins (long jump, 18-9).

GIRLS TRACK - Western 115, Taylor 17

Western showed its dominance in winning 15 of the 16 events.

"We had a lot of depth," Boswell said. "I am proud of how our girls came out, and hopefully, we'll continue to improve."

Taylor Ruch, Cara Earlywine, Sable Staller and Krissy Durr were triple winners. Ruch won the 100 hurdles (:18.5) and 300 hurdles (54.7). Earlywine was tops in the 400 dash (:64.2) and 200 dash (:27.8). Staller was first in high jump (5-2) and long jump (13-11.5), and Durr claimed the 800 run (2:42).

Alleca Kerker, Denae Rittmann and Taylor Young joined Ruch in winning the 400 relay (:54.4). Allison Eberetts teamed with Staller, Earlywine and Durr in placing first in the 1,600 relay (4:36), and Durr was joined by Kayla Gaskins, Jenn Elliott and Corianne Myer in winning the 3,200 relay (11:03.7).

Kerker and Kayla Gaskins were double winners. Kerker also won in the 100 dash (:13.6), and Kayla Gaskins was tops in the 1,600 run (6:11).

Other winners for Western were Ashley Gaskins (3,200 run, 13:00), Caily Tanner (shot put, 32-8.5) and Kristin Piedman (discus, 89-10).

Taylor's Hannah Hawkins won the pole vault (8-6).