HOOSIER CONFERENCE MEET

Tribune sports staff May 6, 2024

GIRLS MEET

West Lafayette scored 171 to win Friday’s Hoosier Conference meet, which had nine teams. Western was third (95), Northwestern fourth (70) and Tipton eighth (16).

Lacy Rathbun and Ellyse Walden had big meets for Western. Rathbun took titles in the 100-meter hurdles (:15.94) and 300 hurdles (49.28). Walden was first in discus with a toss of 123-10, winning by more than 12 feet.

“I think our volleyball coach would agree that when Lacy steps onto the field of play, a tiger shows up. She’s a fearless competitor,” Western coach Gary Jewell said.

“Ellyse nearly pulled off the shot put-discus double. She had three outstanding throws over 39 feet. However, the top-seeded girl from West Lafayette got off one great throw and won by only 3½ inches, which is a little less than the width of the shot. It would have taken a school record effort to win and she’s only 7 inches away from that,” Jewell added.

“Everyone stepped up, even our athletes who weren’t expected to score. On the day we recorded six lifetime bests and three season bests.”

Northwestern’s Lexi Hale won the high jump with an effort of 5 feet, 2 inches and Ayla Jackson third (5-0). Hannah Moore won the 3,200 (11:12) with Courtney Adams third (11:59). Moore was second in the 1,600 (5:13).

“We had an excellent meet,” NW coach Josh Perry said. “We had a lot of season bests all on the same night. We have been building nicely all season and it is great to see that it’s coming together in May when we get to championship season. We had several girls score better than their seed and that goes a long way. Good teams scrap for extra points in as many events as possible.”

BOYS MEET

West Lafayette cruised to the title of the nine-team Hoosier Conference meet Friday night with a score of 165. Rensselaer was second at 104. Tipton was fifth (61), Northwestern sixth (43.5), and Western seventh (38.5).

For Northwestern, Ryland Barnes was second in the 1,600 run (4:41.18). Peyton Tarrh was third in the high jump (5-8) and fourth in the 300 hurdles (:42.5). The team of Tarrh, Michael Groves, Sam Craig and Nicolo Puglia were fourth in the 4x100 (:45.63), and Nicolo Puglia was fifth in the 200 (:24.22).

“Strong showing from the boys,” NW coach Alex Pier said. “There are a great number of very good athletes in our conference and the boys did not shy away. Moving up to a sixth-place finish this year was a major team improvement.”

For Western, Camden Raab won the 3,200 run (9:56.04). Aden Yeary placed third in the 800 run (2:02.90) and Raab, Maddox Carver, Lincoln McKillip and Yeary were third in the 4x800 relay.

“We’re a very young team that got hit by an injury bug. It’s hard to put a good product on the line during championship season when a lot of your points are getting treatment in the training room,” Western coach Gary Jewell said.

“Our distance group scored well. Camden ran a patient race behind two West Lafayette runners, waiting for the right moment to hit the ‘over-take’ button. When he made his move it was decisive.”