The Pleasant Valley Boys Track Team came through as they brought home the victory after stellar performances all around at the Spartan Invitational on Friday, March 31.
En route to a team victory, the Spartans placed first in six events and second in nine more to hold off Western Dubuque by 33 points. The Spartans got to work early with their performance in the 3200 meter run. Konnor Sommer, junior, brought home the crown with a first place finish, and teammate Gavin Smith, sophomore, finished as the runner-up to give the Spartans a 1-2 punch.
“I’m really happy with how I did. It’s a personal record for me and it’s only the start of the season,” said Smith.
Sommer also brought home the title in the 1600 meter run later in the night, with a personal best time of 4:44.25, edging out fellow teammate Anthony Peña.
“It means a lot to win two events at my home meet. Really running varsity for the first time, I’m real excited for the rest of the meets to come,” said Sommer.
Many of the runners set personal records on Friday night along with Sommer, Peña, and Smith in the distance crew. “With all the PRs set in the meet, I think we have an idea of what event everyone should focus on and try to qualify for Drake in,” added Smith.
Even with 1-2 performances in the 3200 and the 1600 individual, the Spartan Distance Team wasn’t done. The 3200 relay team consisting of Peña and fellow teammates Mark Conway, Parker Huhn, and Ben Gorman came in with a huge victory. “That was a good step in the right direction. We just need to keep improving. I think it is a group that can get to eight minutes, maybe even break eight before the season is over,” said Peña.
The Spartan Sprinting and Throwing Teams also sealed up victories on the night. Keshaun Baker, junior, took first place in 400 meter dash along with an 800 relay title by the team of Arthur Braden, Dajour Lester, Collin Ankton, and CJ Carter. In the throwing competition, Cody Snyder came through with the personal record of his own with a 53-2 toss in the shot put.
The Spartans hope to use this victory to help propel the whole team going forward as they look forward to the Drake Relays on April 27-29.
