By By Tim Cottrell
Prospects, and the weather, seem to be getting brighter for area track &field teams.
The Northview Chiefs hosted a track meet Tuesday afternoon in Bratt, Fla. Much like Escambia Academy last week, the Chiefs experienced favorable weather for the first time all season.
Mark Heaton, head track &field coach, said Northview's team worked hard during the meet.
"It was the best competition we've had all year, in terms of how we did," Heaton said. "The kids really competed hard."
The Chiefs hosted the track &field team from Monroe County High School. Edgewood Academy was slated to attend the meet, but pulled out.
Monroe County's boys and girls took first place in the meet. In boys action Monroe County defeated Northview by a score of 71.5 to 63.5. Monroe County's girls topped Northview by a score of 57 to 39.
"We did pretty well," Heaton said. "A lot of kids stepped up. We set a new (4×100 meter dash) time. Wes Leathers set a new time in the 400. He ran a 54 or 55. Nakita Myles set new distances in the long jump and triple jump. Emily Wiggins had a really good night and Anna Baker did well, too. They scored the majority of the girl's points.
"Carlos Kyles also came up big in the 200," Heaton continued. "He was one of our slowest guys in practice, and he came out yesterday and set a new time for us. He's just way faster if he's racing than if you're just timing him alone."
Northview event winners in the boys meet were Joe Strobaugh, who won the discus and the shot put; Jeff Steadham, who won pole vault; Wes Leathers, who won the 400-meter dash; Carlos Kyles, who won the 200-meter dash; and the 4×100 meter relay team comprised of Wes Leathers, Deonta Davison, Caleb Linam and Nakita Myles.
Winners in the girl's competition were Camden Loncar, who won the shot put; Emily Wiggins, who won the long jump; Courtney Fettler, who won the triple jump and Anna Baker, who won the 100- and 200-meter dashes.