Jenks & Janek in 3000m
Drake Relays, Thursday HS Highlights
The sun and underclass athletes were shining Thursday in the opening day of high school competition in the Drake Relays – 2013, Des Moines, IA. Two running events and four field events were contested.
Freshmen, Stephanie Jenks (Linn-Mar) and McKenzie Janek (Pleasant Valley), went 1-2 in the 3000m, 9:46.02 vs. 9:50.87, with junior Leah Seivert (Sibley-Ocheyedan) also breaking the 10 minute barrier (9:59.59) in third. Underclassmen, Thomas Pollard (sophomore, Gilbert) and Josh Evans (junior, Linn Mar), went 1-2 in the boys 3200m, 9:10.97 to 9:12.49.
Junior Jalynn Roberts-Lewis (Des Moines Roosevelt, 18’10.5”) defended her 2012 Drake title in a hotly contested long jump competition over McKennan Cronbaugh (senior, Iowa City West, 18’7.25”) and Lexus Lovan (sophomore, Urbandale, 18’6.25”). Jeff Giannettino (sophomore, West Burlington/Notre Dame) eased over the boys high jump bar at 6’8”, only an inch higher than Jared Seay (sophomore, Johnston) and Braydee Poore (senior, Mount Ayr).
In the throwing events, usually dominated by upper-class throwers, freshman Kiana Phelps (Kingsley-Pierson) dominated the girls discus competition with a national class toss of 153’04”, almost 15 feet farther than second. The only senior prep winning a Relays title so far was Shaquille Wells (Urbandale), who defended his 2012 boys shot put championship throwing 59’7.5”, a 5 foot improvement over his winning toss in 2012 and 3 feet farther than second in 2013.
The Drake Relays continues through the weekend, with even warmer weather and hotter competition expected. If you can’t attend in person, keep tuned to IOWATFXC.COM / IA.MILESPLIT.COM for the latest results, photos, and summaries.