Smith-Cotton boys and girls track and field teams head to Lee’s Summit North today to compete in the Class 5 District 6 meet.
Head coach Brad Hagedorn said the boy’s team may lack the “heavy-hitters” required to overcome tough district competition, but the girls are armed and ready.
Monique Grant, Makeba Nash, Saige Peterson and more look to score big points for the Lady Tigers.
Peterson, who runs the 800 meter dash, has her eyes on a district title. She was a hundredth of a second from qualifying for state at last year’s meet.
“I have some pretty tough competition,” Petersen said. “I’m hoping to win districts. If it’s in God’s plan, hopefully.”
Hagedorn said maximizing the events his athletes can score in is a challenge unique to these post-season tournaments.
For example, Grant was conference champion in the in the 100, 200 and 400m dash, but may compete elsewhere to better ensure the best possible finish.
The 4×100 relay team of Nash, Nia Hawkins, Dennise Reyes and Aliyah Mitchell and 4×400 relay team of Peterson, Mitchell, Kristen Farrell and Taylor Beebe won conference last week and are favorites in Lee’s Summit.
Elizabeth Valesa cleared five feet in the high jump at conference and will compete in at the district meet.
Corey Bond, who placed second in the 300 hurdles, third in 110 hurdles and fourth in the triple jump at conference, has valuable flexibility going into the district meet.
Hagedorn said Bond may not be top 10 in state for any event, but is “really good” at many events. His multi-event prowess is more impressive considering he began track and field last year after setting the school record in the vertical at an Athletic Conditioning test.
“I just wish I would have started my freshman year,” Bond said.
The Class 5 District 6 high school track and field meet begins today at 10 a.m. at Lee’s Summit North.