By By Matthew Nascone
The third Saturday in the month of March marked a good day for the Escambia Academy track and field team. On March 17, the Cougars won their first meet of the season on their home turf.
The boys' team defeated Jackson Academy, Cottage Hill Academy, Cornerstone Academy and Sparta Academy for the title.
EA head coach Heath Gibson said it was a great day to be a Cougar.
"I am very proud of how far they have come this season," Gibson said. "It was a good all-around day for Escambia Academy. They seemed really focused for the meet and that was great."
Alan Ash sped out to a victory in the two-mile run and Seth Lassiter also took home gold in the one-mile and the 800. Tyler Harrison won the shot put competition with Nick Carlin right on his heels in second place.
Jordan Kline jumped the farthest in the long jump for the gold and Blaine Garrett came in second place.
The Cougars also placed second in the 1,600-meter relay. Jon Dean, Jordan Kline, Michael Mitchell and Nick Flowers raced to the silver.
On the girls' side of the track, Cottage Hill won the meet, but EA came in third behind Cornerstone and in front of Sparta.
Kristen Matthews won the one-mile for the Lady Cougars. Grayson Emmons placed second in the 800 and the 1,600-meter relay team of Matthews, Emmons, Lacey Flowers and Taylor Hubbard took home the gold.
"These kids are working hard in practice and in the track and field world, that equates directly into how they do when it comes time for a meet," Gibson said. "They will go back each day and try and get better than the day before. This team's work ethic is incredible."
The squad's next meet is tomorrow in Jay, Fla. The meet will begin at 3 p.m.