As Friday evening approached, the afternoon wind gave away to some perfect track weather. Quite fitting for League week. At the Olathe District Activities Center, the Sunflower League showed why they're one of the premier leagues in the entire state, showcasing some of the most skilled athletes Kansas has to offer.
In the field events, Rosjai Curtis of SM North continued her meteoric rise in the triple jump, winning and setting another PR, this time beyond 37 feet. Both pole vault competitions were elite, with Mill Valley's Makenna Payne clearing 11-6 once again, and Pierson Carlisle of Gardner-Edgerton clearing 16-2.5. Carlisle has gone back and forth with Andrew Kirby of Olathe East all year, so their continued battles will be a story to watch heading into State.
Jordan Allen was a double-winner for Olathe South, winning the shot put and discus throw. Shawnee Mission Northwest's Kelvin Acheampong had a surprising upset in the triple jump over Olathe North's Josh Parrish. Acheampong set a personal best by exactly two feet on Friday.
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Olathe Northwest's girls scored over half their points before the track events even started. Adrienne Locke-Garcia, Kendall Yarnell, and Val Galligan won the shot, disc, and javelin, respectively. Michenainda Aritus also won the long jump for the Ravens. Then, Olivia Cooper kept it rolling on the track, winning the 100 hurdles. At that point, the Ravens had a 41-point lead over Olathe West.
The Owls, though, climbed back into it by sweeping the 1600 with Charis Robinson, Kate Miller, and Paige Baker. Then, with a 1-2 finish in the 3200 by Miller and Lily Brewer, Olathe West took the lead with just one event to go. The Owls held their lead, placing 2nd in the 4x400 to Northwest's 6th. Final score: 130-114.
See Also: Olathe West's 4x800 Record Article
In the boys' team race, it was all Olathe North. With wins in the long jump, 200, both hurdle races, and the 4x400, along with runner-up finishes in the 4x100 and pole vault, it was all Eagles. Josh Parrish and Jason Parrish led the way in the hurdles and jumps, while Christian Harris and Eli Wyatt had major contributions as well.
You may remember the Olathe North 4x100's big win last week. A runner-up finish was somewhat unexpected, with Lawrence and Tyrell Reed edging out the Eagles by 0.02. The Lions are showing they can seriously compete for the 6A title in that event.
Shawnee Mission East finished 11th in the boys' standings, despite having one of the best rosters in all classes. They didn't run their distance studs, Wyatt Haughton & Caden Peters, and aside from a hot 4x800, it looked like their team just took the week off. The Lancers clearly don't value a Sunflower League title, and are likely putting all their marbles in for Regionals & State.