Dragons capture own invitational

Published 12:00 am Saturday, April 19, 2008

PROCTORVILLE — It all adds up.

Whether it’s a first place finish or eighth, points are awarded in a track meet. No one understands that any better than the Fairland Dragons.

The Dragons got contributions from all the team to rack up 173 points and win their own invitational track meet Friday.

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Ironton was second with 131 points.

“I’m really proud of this track team. I think this is the first track team I’ve had that everyone is out there to do their best not only for themselves but for the team. They realize that every point we score goes into winning championships,” said Fairland coach Jon Buchanan.

Aaron Ward won the 110- and 300-meter hurdles for the Dragons. Joe Stewart was first in the 3200, Chad Gibson won the 400, Eddie Adkins the 1600, and Short took the discus.

“Earlier this year I said our kids need to get in shape and they are starting to,” said Buchanan. “The kids who were running 56-57 in the 400 are now running 53-54, and the 2:24s in the 800 are now coming down to 2:15s.”

Ironton had five first-place finishes as Marc Carter won the 800 meters, Lukas Morris the high jump and long jump, Jon Monnig the pole vault, and Erin Edens, Justin Payne, Pierce Reeves and Travis Elliott combined to win the 4×800 relay.

South Point won the girls meet although Fairland’s Jordan Aldridge took high point honors with 27.5 points.

Huntington took second place with 97 points.

Aldridge won the 100- and 200-meter hurdles, was third in the long jump and ran a leg on a relay.

Teammate Megan Brooks cleared 9-feet to win the pole vault.

Ericka Leighty won the high jump and was second in the long jump to teammate Megan Crabtree. Tinesha Taylor was first in the shot put while the 4×100 and 4×100 relay teams won.

Ironton freshman Taylor Hacker ran a personal-best 13:36 to win the 3200 meters.