The Sparta Bulldogs ran way with the Nashville 1A track and field sectional title by winning eight events and racking up 140 points.
Nashville took second with 98 points followed by Murphysboro (76), Columbia (63), Anna-Jonesboro (46) and Du Quoin (46).
Winning events for the Bulldogs included Cody Klein in the pole vault (16’), Preston Nance in the high jump (6’8), Corey Hale in the discus throw (144’8.5), Wade Reeves in the 3200 meter run (9:49.41) and Jon Hill in the 1600 meter run (4:35.59).
Sparta also won three of the four relay events, the 400 meter, 800 meter and 3200 meter, while taking second in the 1600 meter.
While the sectional win by 42 points was impressive, the fact that the Bulldogs qualified in state in 11 events may be even more impressive.
Also qualifying for state from Sparta were Wesley Bradshaw (second in the 3200 meter run), Tyler Bieman who took fourth in the 300 meter hurdles, with a state qualifying time of 40.76 and Maurice Austin (second in the 200 meter dash).
“We ran extremely well and had some performances that were just unbelievable,” said Sparta coach Mark North. “Wes Bradshaw cut 23 seconds off his 3200 time and is ranked eighth ging into the state meet, Wade Reeves is ranked fifth, the 400 relay second, Preston Nance is tied for third in thehigh jump and Cody Klein is number one in the vault. We definitely have the chance to make some noise at the state meet.”
Chester’s Chad Koenegstein won both of the hurdling events, taking first in the 110 meters (15.0) and the 300 meters (39.60). Yellow Jacket freshman Kyle Landon took second in the high jump (6’1) and also punched his ticket to the state meet to be held May 27-29 at Eastern Illinois University.