Morgan County’s track and field team concluded the regular season earlier this week, competing at Walnut Grove High School, and is now turning its attention to the Region 2-AA meet next week.
The Dogs and Lady Dogs have enjoyed a successful regular season and now have the opportunity to advance to the state meet. However, they must first perform well at the region meet.
Morgan County second-year coach Kelan Fraise thinks his team is starting to “peak” at the right time.
“We’ve competed well and the staff is proud,” Fraise said. “We had a minor setback with practice and goals for the season because of the long winter, but no excuses. We’re starting to hit our stride and peak.”
Morgan County’s sprinters, throwers, and jumpers have made significant progress throughout the season. They have followed Fraise's advice, and many are beginning to see their hard work pay off.
Fraise has seen some of his athletes set new personal records in their respective competitions.
This season, senior Dylan Smith achieved a personal best in the 400-meter dash, clocking in at 50.9 seconds, just .4 seconds shy of the boys’ school record. Fellow senior Kymora Smith was also close to setting a new girls’ record in the long jump with a mark of 17 ft., 7.5 inches.
Freshman Chandler Aaron set a new girls’ record in the 400-meter dash with a time of 1 minute, 2 seconds.
Fraise also mentioned others, such as Peyton Houser, Jamari Mundy, Jack Morris, Eric Arnold, and Brody Jenkins, as athletes who have performed well and set personal records this season.
“The athletes know what it takes to compete and be the best,” Fraise said. “It’s great seeing the older class pave the way and teach the new athletes coming in with the expectations. It makes our job as coaches easier.”
Fraise set the bar high in his first season, coaching several athletes on both teams to qualify for the state meet. Morgan County sent 22 team members to the state meet, and Fraise hopes that number is higher this year.
To get there, Fraise said the team’s goal is to perform well at the regional meet next week.
“We want to win the region for the boys and girls. The coaching staff is planning and putting pieces together so we can win points in lots of events,” Fraise said. “From there, bring as many athletes to sectionals and the state track meet. We want to prove to ourselves that we are one of the best programs out there.”
The Region 2-AA meet will take place on April 21 and April 23 at Jackson High School.