HURON – The Aberdeen Central track and field squads had a huge impact on the Wendelgass Last Chance track and field meet on Thursday.

The Golden Eagles swept the post-meet awards as Grace Rife was chosen as the Girls Athlete of the Meet, and Kyson Fayant was selected as the Boys Athlete of the Meet.

Central won the boys’ team points, while the Golden Eagles were third in the girls’ division.

“We had a load of PR’s, which is what we need at this time of the season as we prepare for the state meet next week,” said Central boys’ coach Greg Murley.

Fayant won both the 110-meter high hurdles and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, and also ran on the winning 1,600-meter relay squad.

“He works really hard every day in practice,” Murley said, “and is a quiet leader for us. So deserving.”

Other boys who won events for Central included David Van Veen in the 1,600, Tyler Bain in the high jump, and Jett Carlson in the javelin. The Golden Eagles also won the 800-meter relay, and 3,200-meter relay.

“David ran a good mile for us,” Murley said. “Our 4×4 ran well after being edged out last week at ESD. Our throw crew did well today, too.”

Murley said the upperclassmen are helping to pave the way for the younger athletes.

“Our veterans continue to provide great leadership and our young kids keep gaining experience,” Murley said. “We look forward to next week.”

The Central girls also had strong performances as they gear up for the state meet in Sioux Falls next week.

“Our goal today was try to get a few more kids into the state meet. Try to focus on a few things we needed to focus on,” said Central girls’ coach Jim Appl. “Our pole vault really got better today. We tied for first and then got third and fourth. They were all were PRs for them today.”

Breckan Santjer led that balanced effort, vaulting 10 feet, 3 inches.

Mya Arampatzis swept the hurdles races, while Rife won the 200 and ran on winning 400-meter and 800-meter relay squads. Juna Ramey won the 1,600-meter run, and Ciara Frank won the long jump.

Appl said the goal was to improve on times and distances as the Eagles prepare for the state meet.

“That’s what this week’s about is trying to find another spot, to sneak another place in, or to move up to solidify a place,” Appl said. “I thought we did a nice job of that. I like the position we’re sitting in going into the state meet. Our girls really competed hard today.”

Appl believes that his athletes are primed for a major showing at the state meet, which starts on Thursday.

“We got a few places next week where we’re going to surprise some people,” Appl said. “Our kids are peaking at the right time. … We’re all feeling good heading into next week.”

To see complete meet results, click on the following link:

https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/561475/results/all