Senior Kolby Hamilton placed fifth overall in the men’s 3200 meter run setting a personal record of 9 minutes, 58 seconds.
Eaton junior Delaney Deaton highlighted a list of personal records set for the Eagles track team during the Division II regional track and field meet at Piqua High School Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27. She qualified for state in the discus with a personal best throw of 116 feet, 6 inches.
PIQUA — Eaton junior Delaney Deaton highlighted a list of personal records set for the Eagles track team during the Division II regional track and field meet at Piqua High School Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27.
Eaton sent seven individuals and two relay teams to compete against the best in the region.
Deaton was the only Eagle to qualify for the state meet, but several personal bests were accomplished along the way for the remaining athletes.
“I’m very happy that we qualified seven individuals and two relays through to the regional championships,” Eaton coach Randy McKinney said. “One state qualifier (earning first team all-regional honors), three individuals and one relay team earning second team all-regional honors, one individual earning honorable mention all-regional honors along with three individual personal records made it a great meet for our program.”
Deaton had an outstanding day battling for the fourth-place position in the women’s discus. At the end of competition Deaton was tied for fourth place with the tie ultimately being broken by going to the third best throw of both athletes.
She threw a career best 116 feet, 6 inches to earn a state berth.
“We’re excited to watch her compete next Friday at the state championships,” McKinney said.
Senior Kolby Hamilton placed fifth overall in the men’s 3200 meter run setting a personal record of 9 minutes, 58 seconds.
“He had an outstanding race ending his high school running career on a high note,” McKinney said. “We will especially miss his leadership on and off the track and cross country course.”
The women’s 4×800 relay consisting of Kaili Hewitt, Addi Guiley, Lauren Guiley and Kiera Elliott place seventh overall on Thursday in a time of 9:58.17 (their 2nd fastest time of the season).
“This is the third consecutive year that Kaili, Lauren and Kiera (all seniors) have qualified and placed in the 4×800 relay while it is the second consecutive year this group of four have qualified,” McKinney said. “The three seniors have had a great four year run and will be greatly missed next season.”
Junior Devon Rader had a great day in the men’s shot put placing sixth overall with a personal best throw of 47-3.75
“Devon had an outstanding first season as a high school track & field athlete,” McKinney said. “I’m really excited to see what he can accomplish next season now that he has gained experience as a first time thrower.”
Elliott placed eighth overall in the women’s in a time of 2:20.29 equaling her season best time in the event.
“Kiera has been a pleasant surprise in the 800 this season and will be greatly missed next year for her athletic and leadership abilities,” McKinney said.
Freshman Wes Kitchin ran an outstanding personal best time of 2:00.21 placing night overall in a super competitive field of 800-meter runners.
“He was the only freshman in the field of 16 competitors. Wes made great progress this season and I’m excited to see what he can accomplish in another season of track & field,” McKinney said.
Junior Carson Shepherd qualified and competed in the men’s pole vault finishing with a vault of 11-6 placing him 10th in the field of 16.
Senior Logan Littrell ended an pole vaulting outstanding career in track and field with a vault of 10-6 in a three way tie for 11th place.
“Carson and Logan had strong seasons not finishing with their best, but very respectable vaults,” McKinney said.
The men’s 4×800 relay team consisting of Hamilton and the freshman trio of Aiden Foster, Jack Richardson and Kitchin qualified and placed 13th overall on Thursday in a time of 8:44.09.
“It’s the first time in six years we’ve had the men’s 4×800 relay qualify to the regional meet so it’s exciting that three of them will be returning to this relay next season,” McKinney said.
Deaton will compete at state Friday, June 2 at 9 a.m. at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus.
“Overall, a great showing by our qualifying individuals and relay teams,” McKinney said.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.
