Track season is here, and the Nacogdoches Dragons are shifting into gear for the 2024 outdoor season. The meet, held at Nacogdoches High on Thursday, Feb. 29, included teams from Carthage, Jacksonville, Hudson, Henderson, Tatum, and Pineywoods Community Academy.
Varsity Boys won the team title with a total of 158.5 points. Half of the top 10 individuals were Nacogdoches High student-athletes. LJ Leadon led the pack, winning the long jump and competing in the triple jump as well as the 400-meter and 800-meter relays. Andrew Rogers put on a clinic in discus and shotput, placing first and second respectively, and only losing in shotput to fellow teammate James Williams. KJ Anthony scored 18 points by placing in all events he competed in. Long-distance runners Carter Wicher and Nixon Long also won the 1600 and 3200 races respectively.
Varsity Girls placed first and dominated everywhere. They had winners in the 400 relay, both 100 and 300 hurdles, pole vault, 400 relay, triple jump, and the long-distance races of 1600 and 3200. Four girls from Nacogdoches placed in the top 10 individually, Nevaeh Sweat taking first, and Zion Johnson, Avery Hardcastle, and Na’Riyah Steadham placing fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively. Kayla Reeves won the 800 with a time of 2:36.19 and Christina Schick won the pole vault with an impressive 11-feet, 6-inches.
JV girls won as well, with 154 total points. All-around athlete Caiyn Williams placed first individually with 24 points, competing in the 1600 relay, long jump, and winning both triple and high jump. Aubree Smith came in third after winning long jump and placing in the 200 sprint, as well as the 400 and 800 relays. Zariyya Swindle wrapped things up by winning shotput with a throw of 30’ 3”.
JV Boys came in third place overall, Led by Evan Mosely who was responsible for 21 of the team's 102 points. Mosley competed in the 100 and 200 as well as the 400 relay.
