“I” can fly, IHS competes at District track meet
Justin Buchanan throws for the Gold — Italy competed in the District track meet in Hubbard Wednesday and Thursday putting in strong performances all around the Hubbard stadium. Two Varsity Gladiators and two Lady Gladiators advanced to Area and the JV Boys won the 2009 District Championship. (Barry Byers)
Italy was challenged by fierce competition at the District track meet in Hubbard this year. A 2-day event, Italy competed against Dawson, Cayuga, Itasca, Dallas Gateway, Crossroads, Wortham, Waxahachie Advantage, Dallas Faith Family and Hubbard. But after the discus landed and the triple jump sand had settled, the Mighty Gladiators had left their marks.
The entire Italy coaching staff was on hand to help urge on the athletes and coordinate some of the events ensuring each track athlete would have a great “time”.
The Italy track athletes that qualified to represent the Old Gold at Area are:
• Kaitlyn Rossa – 1st Place, Gold Medal – 1600m (1mile)
• Kaitlyn Rossa – 1st Place, Gold Medal – 3200 in 6:15
• Jimesha Reed – 1st Place, Gold Medal – Shotput, 32’ 8"
• Ryan Ashcraft – 4th Place, 1600m 5:21
• Ryan Ashcraft – 4th Place, 3200m
• Darrin Moore – 4th Place – Triple Jump 40’ 5 1/4"
• John Isaac – 5th Place – Triple Jump 40’ 5" (Area alternate)
The Italy JV Boys became the 2009 UIL District Champions even though the only 1st Place finish was turned in by Corrin Frazier in the 800 meters. However, the JV Boys finished in 2nd, 3rd and 4th in almost all of their events earning enough points to claim the overall championship.
The fact that the Italy JV Boys accomplished this bodes well for the Italy Gladiators football program next Fall.
Coaches gage the quality of their upcoming football teams based on what the JV track team accomplishes in the off-season according to Coach Robert Sollers, Italy’s Defensive Coordinator for the Gladiators.
Points to keep in mind for Gladiator Football fans: #1 The Gladiators football team fell short of the District Championship last season by only 15-points #2 The JV Boys just won the District Championship in track #3 Italy has assembled a dedicated coaching staff which Italy has lacked for several years #4 A young team last season, Italy’s will have experience under their chinstraps #5 And finally, the Gladiator Football team will be sporting new jerseys in the Fall.
If you add up all the points, we should come out on top next Fall.
Special thanks to Coach Sollers for all the insight and input on the articles this track season.
The Area track meet will be held in Hubbard, starting at 1:00 p.m. sharp on Wednesday, April 14.