The Pershing County High School track and field team competed in the regional tournament at Reed High School this past weekend.
Six athletes ran, jumped and threw, setting several personal records.
“We are proud of them and all the blood, sweat and tears they gave this year,” said Matt Fuller. “All six athletes worked hard all season and gave it their best.”
Kylee Fuller qualified in all three of her events - 3,200 meters, 300-meter hurdles and the 1,600 m.
She placed first in the 3,200 meters, second in the 300-meter hurdles and fourth in the 1,600 meters.
Fuller was a freshman the last time she competed in the state track tournament, held in Las Vegas in 2019.
She placed third in the 1,600 meters and second in the 3,200-meter races.
Both contests came down to fractions of a second. Kylee ran her fastest races of the year, setting personal records in both events. She looked forward to competing in her sophomore, junior and senior years.
Instead, the pandemic struck. In 2020, the NIAA suspended spring sports after a few weeks. In 2021, the athletes had a six-week season with no state competition. But Fuller held onto her dream and kept working hard.
It paid off. She’s headed to the state tournament this weekend a couple of weeks before she graduates as co-valedictorian of the Class of 2022.
Fuller returns to Reed High School this weekend, hoping to bring home the gold. Once again, she’ll compete in the 3,200 meters and 1,600 meters. This season she took on a new challenge – the 300-meter hurdles.
Fuller’s fellow senior, Brayden Wagner, threw the discus and shot put.
“We are proud of both seniors. They are the definition of hard work and are great examples with their dedication to their crafts,” said the coach.
According to Matt Fuller, Rylee Renfroe improved in the 100 meters and 100-meter hurdles. She set PRs the last few track meets. Watch for her on the soccer field this coming fall. She’ll return as a junior.
The freshmen made a big splash this season, adding depth to the track team. Luis Sanchez was one of the fastest ninth graders in the 400 meters. He plans to jump into the 300-meter hurdles next spring.
Efrain Aceves hopes to add the triple jump and high jump to his repertoire. He competed in the long jump this year.
Grace Kalsem ran the 200 meters in the regionals, setting a new personal best. She’ll debut on the soccer field as a sophomore this fall.
“Everyone had a great time competing and being part of the regionals,” said the coach.
