For the first time since 2017, the Columbus Community boys enjoyed a victory lap around the track on Thursday when they won the Pankoke Relays at Winfield-Mt. Union.

The Wildcats recorded 102 points on the evening to best second place New London with 96. A total of 17 Wildcats contributed to the scoring including two champions in Triston Miller with the 110m hurdles (16.98) and Mason Hodges in the discus (138’3’’). Runner-up events included 3200m run for Freddy Vergara (10:41), Kaden Amigon for long jump (19’2.5’’), and the 4x800m relay (9:32). Wildcat Head Coach Scott Dennler was ecstatic for his team to get their first crown in four years. “They took their victory lap and they were so happy. They have finished second three times, so to get over the hump and win was awesome. I was really happy for everyone especially our seniors, who have been grinding for six years. It was great to see.”

Plenty of other area schools hit the track including the host Wolves in fourth with 74 points, WACO fifth with 60, Lone Tree sixth with 50, and Highland eighth with 44. Cam Buffington of WMU enjoyed a home win in the long jump (19’3’’) and the 4x800m relay of Noah Sparrow, Gabe Hemsworth, Lane Scorpil, and Brody Barton (9:14) also won. WACO’s Braden Spain won the high jump (5’10’’), Lone Tree’s shuttle hurdle relay of Ethan Willoz, Andrew Gauley, Jader Barajas, and Cade Patterson claimed first (1:10), and Highland’s Connor Grinstead took gold in the 100m (11:34). 

WACO had the best area finish on the girls’ side in third with 73 points while Danville won it all with 161. The Warriors’ shuttle hurdle relay team continues to shine winning in 1:15.88. This squad consists of Molly McLaughlin, Maggie Rinner, Katie Leichty, and Zoey Dennler. Highland was right behind in the team standings with 55 points in fourth, WMU fifth with 51, Columbus seventh with 25, and Lone Tree eighth with eight. Champions included Highland’s 4x200m relay of Mackinze Hora, Katelyn Waters, MyLei Smith, and Sarah Burton (1:57) and Michelle Diaz from Columbus Community in the shot put (35’5’’). 

Full results are attached below.

https://www.vbmeets.com/Results/Results.aspx?IDMeet=g2021230402021917950a04fd0653940