Spring is here; oh I meant to say was here. This track season has gotten off to a slow start because of the unseasonably like cold weather the entire state has faced. With high temperatures in the 50s and lows still creeping into the 20s, track meets are being cancelled left and right. Over the last week patches of storms have ended several all-comers prematurely. Last weekend the Male Invitational was postponed, so far the Henry County Wildcat Relays scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed. Even when the meets are held the weather is playing havoc with athletes trying to perform their best. What a spring so far, hopefully warm weather will return soon.
Weekend Preview
The only team from Kentucky looking at competing in warm weather is St. Xavier who is traveling to Columbia, South Carolina for the Taco Bell Classic. The temperature should be in the 70s, but even with the travel they can not get away from the rain. Brian Long looks to set an outdoor best in the 3200, Will Simmons leads St. X in the sprints and jumps.
The Lake Cumberland Classic will be held tomorrow at Somerset High School. On the boy’s side, Mercer County and Danville will be facing off to see which team reigns supreme. The girls side Rockcastle County looks to take the team title. Chrys Jones looks to score big points in the jumps for Mercer County, while Ross Hempel is the favorite in the middle distance races for Danville. Morgan Thacker leads Rockcastle County in the jumps and the sprints with teammate Sarah McKinney looking to win the 100m and 300m Hurdles.
The Invitational of the South will be contested at Marshall County High School. This meet annually brings in teams from Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Missouri. This allows for a little variety in competition. The Paducah Tilghman girls and boys look to once again show they are one of the best in their class and the state. DeAudea Horne leads the girls and Jonathan Jones and Mike Jones leads the Tornado boys. Sharika Smith of Fulton County looks to win four events in the sprints and jumps. Laken Dirkes looks to help the home team to a possible victory in the hurdles. Fort Campbell’s boys will also contend for the team title led by Derrick Stallworth. The Woodford County distance crew traveled across the state to go for wins in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m runs.
Tates Creek will host the Commodore Classic tomorrow. Teams from the Lexington area will assemble to see who the best in Fayette County truly is. Conner, North Hardin, and Anderson County look to crash the trophy party.
Other invitationals to be held tomorrow include the Rowan County Invitational, Grant County Invitational, Trigg County Invitational, Lawrence County Invitational and the Ryle Relays.