RHS track looks ahead to state meet
RUSSELLVILLE — Russellville High School track athletes have posted multiple top 10 and top 20 section finishes this season, along with podium performances from Kiera Cruse and Jasen Noel.
Cruse and Noel were among the team’s podium finishers in indoor competition.
Cruse placed in the top six in the girls long jump with a jump of 15-6, which also put her in the top 10 overall in the event.
Noel finished in the top five in the boys triple jump with a personalrecord mark of 41-11.25.
“Kiera Cruse and Jasen Noel were two of our podium finishers,” head coach Deion Belue said.
“Kiera had a great day in the long jump and has always been a staple for our program, and Jasen also had a great day,” said head coach Deion Belue. “They were both state qualifiers last outdoor season, so seeing them pick up where they left off is a good thing for them.
“We have two indoor meets left before the state meet. The kids have been working extremely hard. We have 13 athletes in position to have a chance to qualify for the state track meet Jan. 30–31 in Birmingham. Five athletes and the 4×200 relay are in the top 10 in our section, and four athletes and the 4×400 relay are in the top 20.”
Several other Russellville athletes competed across a range of events.
Connor Devaney and JaMarkus Mitchell ran in the 60-meter dash.
Darron Jones competed in the 60-meter hurdles.
Sir Williams and Gavin McDaniel represented the team in the high jump.
Jasen Noel
Skylar Ergle competed in the long jump.
Hunter Kastberg took part in the pole vault.
Cruse also competed in the triple jump, while Noel’s podium finish came in that event.
The Golden Tigers fielded full relay squads as well.
The 4×200 relay team consisted of Connor Devaney, Tarus Davis, JaMarkus Mitchell and Darron Jones.
The 4×400 relay team includedJulyunFrancisco, Keifer Hallmark, Walker Dover and Jasen Noel.
The team will compete at the MLK Classic on Jan. 19 and the Last Chance meet on Jan. 24 before the AHSAA state meet on Jan. 30–31.
Athletes will look to improve marks and secure qualifying positions during those meets.
