By Allen Hamrick
The CCHS track team took their skills to the state competition held in Charleston at UC Stadium/Laidley Field this past week. Here is where the competition would be running, jumping, and throwing to see who would be called the best in the state in their respective events. This year, the Panthers sent four athletes to represent CCHS at the meet. When someone makes it to the state level of track competition, it means that they are already some of the best athletes in the state regardless of where they place; it is quite an accomplishment. One of the biggest highlights for the Panthers in the meet was the shuttle hurdle team. In the AA division, there are many teams who compete at this level, and only the best of them get top ten statuses.
The Panther team went head to head against some tough competition at the state level. When they were done, the shuttle hurdle team made up of Daymian Stricker, Justin Nida, Takota Quinn and Evan Bass placed 8th in the event. Evan Bass and Daymian Stricker were also some of the top athletes in other events. Bass participated in the 110 low hurdles, placing 12th, and Stricker was in the pole vault, placing 15th, and also competed in the high jump. Even though they didn’t medal in these events, just to be there competing means you’re in the top 25 in the state. All in all, it has been a great season for the CCHS track team. Track hardly ever gets the recognition that it deserves, but the shuttle hurdle team and all the other CCHS athletes that competed proved that, without a doubt, the track program just gets better with age. This year’s state competition is solid proof of that.
Congratulations to these Clay County athletes for gutting out the season and landing among the top in the field of hurdling. The next season looks promising with new athletes coming up to the team and others that will be returning to make next year one of the best yet.
