UT cruises to sectional track title
United Township won eight of 18 events at Friday’s Rock Island Class AA track sectional, cruising past the 17-team field to win the team title and end Rock Island’s five-year run as sectional champs.
The Panthers finished with 129 points, while Kaneland was second with 52. Rock Island was fifth with 48 points.
United Township cleaned up in the relays, winning three of four. Geneseo ended the sweep by winning the 1,600-meter relay.
United Township junior Airreo Greer won the 100 and 200, and senior teammate Luke Martinez won the pole vault (6-feet-4). UT senior Quinton Musgrow added a title in the long jump (22-4.5).
UT coach Bob Feller said he was “shocked” his team won the sectional, considering the strong competition.
“The kids competed at a high level all night,” he said. “I think I was more nervous coming into tonight than they were. I am really proud of them. Once again, as at the WB6 championship, this was a total team effort.”
Musgrow, who advanced to next weekend’s state meet with a second in the triple jump (47 feet), said the coaches are the reason the Panthers did so well.
“The whole coaching staff is excellent and all help,” Musgrow said. “We have been working for this since Thanksgiving. What they have taught us has stayed in our head throughout our competition. They have all been to state, so they know what it takes and what to expect.”
The Panthers weren’t the only area team to succeed.
Moline senior Shawn Ledbetter achieved personal records, winning both hurdle events, the 110-meter high hurdles (14.44 seconds) and 300-meter hurdles (38.97 seconds). He has made it to state all four years in hurdle events, but he said this year is his best chance to bring home a medal.
“It is always my goal to win both hurdle events whenever I have competed,” he said. “Last year in the 300-meter prelims, I fell and had to get stitches so I have even more incentive to medal this year. Right now, I feel as if I am at the top of my game and can accomplish my ultimate goal.”
Panthers senior Josh Pope finished second in both hurdle events to also advance to state.
Alleman’s Tim Hird won the 1,600 and 3,200, besting Sycamore runners in both races.
Rock Island junior Julian Mayfield won the triple jump.
Geneseo advanced two individuals as well as its winning 1,600 relay team and second-place 400 relay team as Jacob Kuban finished second in the 400 (50.64 seconds), and Andrew Walter was second in the long jump.