Drake Relays

DES MOINES- The annual Drake Relays was characteristically wet and cold as usual, but this year several area runners were overwhelmed with the opportunity to compete amongst the state’s top athletes from all levels on the same stage. Sigourney had three athletes present with Avery Moore, Autum Barthelman and Summer Barthelman. Pekin had several athletes that earned the right to compete with their 4x800 boys relay squad, which consisted of Chandler Eckley, Sam Roth, Malcolm Myers and Ryna Millikin with Isaiah Wittrock as an alternate lead runner. Pekin also sent their girls 4x100 team with Julianna Baumgartner, Emilee Linder, Cate Roth, Kaylee Linder and Zoey Wright as well as Shea Dahlstrom being the alternate runners.  Pekin also sent speedsters on the boys side in in the 4x100 team with Tyler Copeland, Levi Long, Chase Eckley and Monico Requena withDayne Eckley as an alternate.

            Avery Moore of Sigourney has had a spectacular senior season with his football success topped by his exciting and blazing speed on the track. His hard work and determination, as is to be said about each and every one of these student-athletes, has really paid dividends and culminated in a trip to the ultimate Iowa High School track and field competition. Schools from all reaches of our great State showed up and showed up to win. Moore’s efforts are best explained by his coach Jared Jensen, “It was a great accomplishment for Avery to qualify in the 100 with only two other 1A contenders. Avery did not run his best time of the year which he was a bit disappointed in, but that fact he made it and was able to compete at that level was great to see.  Avery came in tied for 27th in all classes with 5 other guys with their qualifying time and he ended up finishing 22nd overall in the 100 at the Drake Relays.  I think he is hungrier now to compete at Conference and Districts and will be in contention to make State Track in multiple events.”

Complete article in May 3 edition of The News-Review