PANTHERS RUN BY DEVILS IN BOYS TRACK

Kokomo Tribune - Wednesday, April 12, 2017

BOYS TRACK
WESTERN 76, KOKOMO 56, TIPTON 35

The Panthers opened the season with a big win, one that saw a monster discus throw from Tyler Gilbert. The junior threw the third-best discus toss in school history with a 165-3 fling. He also took first in shot put at 46-10.5.

"It's a good way to start the season," Western coach Gary Jewell said. "We got some good performances and we got some O.K. performances."

Josh Everetts was a triple winner, taking first in the 1,600 (4:56.97), and 800 (2:07.24), while teaming with Elijah Woodring, Andrew Granfield and Nick Hackler to win the 4x800 relay in 9:02.31.

Micah Beard was a double winner for the Panthers, taking first in the 300 hurdles (43.30) and long jump (20-0).

Also taking first for Western was Zhe'don Beard in the 100 (11.48).

"It's nice to be able to know where we stand," Jewell said. "We've got an idea of what we need to work on."

GIRLS TRACK

WESTERN 75, KOKOMO 68, TIPTON 18

Western's distance and middle distance crew led the way to victory. Allison McMinn was a triple winner for the Panthers, who took seven events in the triangular meet at Tipton.

McMinn won the 400 in 1:06.88 and was part of two winning relays. Natalie Nicholson, McMinn, Emma Marley and Bronwyn Getts won the 3,200 relay in 10:45.44. And McMinn, Jenna Worthington, Olivia Lushin and Grace Sullivan won the 1,600 relay in 4:36.0.

Megan Hampshire won the 3,200 in a time of 13:11.37. Nicholson won the 1,600 in 5:57. Hannah Lushin won the 300 hurdles in 57.44. And Getts won the 800 in 2:40.62.

"I thought the girls came out and ran really well for the first meet," Western coach Brandon Shawhan said. "We had really good competition from Kokomo — Kokomo has a really good team as well. We've got a pretty young team and it was a great experience. I felt the girls came out ready to run and put a lot of intensity into the meet, which is nice to see."