Prep T&F: Cox: Bulldogs Taking A Step In Right Direction

It's just the second event of the spring, but Harrisburg track and field head coach Zach Cox said his boys have taken a step in the right direction.

The Bulldogs placed in eight out of 15 events in a non-scored SIU Invitational over the weekend.

Michael Victoria had the best finish for the Bulldogs, placing third in the 400 meter dash with a time of 51.95.

Harrisburg had a pair of fourth place finishes with Kane Carrigan throwing 47-feet-4.75 in the shot put and the 4x200 relay team of Dustin Lane, Tylor Marler, Branden Duffield and Aarron Stephens crossing the line at 1:36.30.

The Bulldogs had a handful of fifth place finishes as Dustin Lane went 20-feet-8.5 in the long jump, Austin Lowry cleared 13-feet in the pole vault, Marler ran a 8.81 in the 60 meter high hurdles and the 4x400 relay team of Mitch Daniels, Adarsah Manawa, Victoria and Stephens ran a 3:43.33.

One sixth place finish went to Harrisburg as Lane ran the 60 meter dash in a time of 7.23.

"This was a really great day for our team and kids," Cox said. "There were 44 teams competing and we medaled in eight out of the 15 events. We had several personal records and every one of these events are ranked on the leader board for the state in Class 2A."

Cox added the results are available at www.dyestatil.com.

"Michael Victoria ran an outstanding 400 and is one of the top five times in 2A for the year so far. Lane medaled in three events and had a break out day. Carrigan and Lowry both had big days with personal records in their respective events.

"Tylor Marler didn't run his best hurdles race, but came back strong with a 4x2 split. Overall, I couldn't be more proud of our guys and this was a big step in the right direction."