The Patrick County High School Cougar indoor track team highlighted its throwers last Monday at the Mighty Explorers Invitational in Winston Salem, N.C.

Lexy Carico won the discus, followed by Molly Hernandez in third.

“Both girls have been very consistent all season, which sets them up well for conference this week,” said Coach Danel Slaydon.

On the boys’ side, Tyler Lumpkin finished seventh, and Brandon Delgado finished 10th, both with their highest finishes of the season.

After narrowly missing the automatic state qualifying standard last week, the girls’ relay teams started Monday’s meet on a mission. Armonte Carter, Macie Rogers, Montana Moorefield, and Savannah Moorefield (members of the 4×400 and 4×800 relay teams) ran away with double victories, setting a new school record in the 4×400 (4:20) and earning an automatic state berth in both events.

Macie Rogers added another notch to her belt, winning the 1000 m race. Ashton Collins finished sixth. Arielle Taylor set a new personal record (PR) in the mile, running to a fourth place finish. Armonte Carter placed a strong second in the 500.

Monroe Morse and Jared Biedrycki cracked the top 10 in the boys’ mile, finishing ninth and tenth, respectively. Morse doubled back to run the two-mile, placing fourth. Juan Cisneros went down in distance this week, but looked strong in the 300 and 500, placing fifth and third, respectively. Gonzalo Vargas was eighth in the 500 and tenth in the 300, and Tommy Pauley placed ninth in the 500.

The Cougars competed in the Conference 32 meet Monday, February 6.

“We have been battling a few illnesses and minor injuries, but our kids are looking sharp, focused, and ready for a fight,” said Slaydon.
The top six in each event and the top three relay teams in conference competition will advance to the regional championships.