GHV track team earns some first place finishes

by Michelle Watson

Bulldog Relays

The Garner-Hayfield-Ventura boys picked up a couple of first place finishes to collect some points, but it wasn’t enough, as the Cardinals placed fifth in an eight team field at the Bulldog Relays held in Hampton on Monday, April 15.  Roland-Story won the meet with 165 points, followed by Aplington-Parkersburg with 124.  GHV finished with 60 points.

Reese Smith and Nathan Larson did their parts by collecting first place finishes.  Smith won the 800 meter run with a time of 1:59.58.  Larson won the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:13.70.

Caleb Renner also had success with two third place finishes.  He ran the 800 meter race in 2:14.19 and the 400 meter dash in 54.90.

“We were stretched a little thin, but we took the opportunity to gain some experience,” said Coach Ryan Hinders.  “Our kids ran hard and I am proud of their efforts.”

Other placements included:

*200: Holden Larson, 4th, 25:03

*400: Nathan Larson, 6th, 57.14

*Sprint Medley: Patrick Carew, Jason Lillebo, Holden Larson, Nathan Larson, 6th, 1:46

*4x800: Luke Brown, Nick Billings, Aiden Richardon, Renner, 4th, 9:31.36

South Hamilton Hawk Relays

The GHV boys faced some tough competition on Thursday, April 18, at the South Hamilton Hawk Relays.  Despite finishing last in the eight-team field, the Cardinals gained some valuable experience.  Des Moines Christian and North Polk tied for first in the meet with 128 points.  South Hamilton was runner-up with 79.  GHV finished with 31 points.

“It was a little windy and the competition was solid, but we came away with some positive results,” said Coach Ryan Hinders.  “We mixed some things up in our relays and it worked.”

The biggest positive of the night was the distance medley team placing first with a time of 3:57.30.  Members of the relay were Devion Moore, Jace Pringnitz, Caleb Renner and Nathan Larson.

The 4x100 team of Moore, Pringnitz, Holden Larson and Isaac Knutson posted their fastest time of the season, 46.43, good for third place.

The sprint medley was also third with a time of 1:44.66.  Members of the relay included Moore, Pringnitz, Knutson and Nathan Larson.

Other placements included:

*800: Renner, 4th, 2:07.90

*1600: Nathan Larson, 6th, 5:10.90

*Shuttle Hurdle: John Grady, Jacob Hasler, Jason Lillebo, Braden Renner, 6th, 1:20.10