Vaqueros qualify 17 for State track meet; boys tie for third, girls for fourth in regional meet

Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

Last Friday and Saturday were good days to be Fernley Vaqueros at the Northern 3A Regional Track and Field Championships at Reed High School in Sparks.

The Vaqueros qualified 17 athletes for this week’s State Meet, also at Reed, with the boys team finishing tied for third place, and the girls tied for fourth.

“Our athletes were posting personal records consistently both days,” coach Todd Wright said. “The team is definitely peaking at the right time of the season.”

Throwers Aurora Parsons, Cameron Radli, and Tyler Slaughter continued their excellent seasons by qualifying for State in both throws. Parsons took first in the discus and second in the shot put. Radli placed first in both throws, with Slaughter placing second in both.

Kiriann Johnson cleared 10 feet to come away with first place in the pole vault. She also qualified for State in the 4×200 and 4×400 relays.

Connie Hunter and Myla Bott once again showed their toughness by competing in the 4×800 relay, 400, 800, and 4×400 relay, the latter three all on Saturday. Hunter qualified for State in two of his events (4×800 and 400), while Bott qualified in three (4×800, 400, and 4×400).

Freshman Kensey Kreller and Kael Paz also competed in four grueling events. Kreller qualifying in three events (4×800, 1600, and 4×400) and Paz in two (4×800 and 3200).

Another triple State qualifier was Karley Hodgden, who ran extremely well and qualified in the 4×800, 400, and 4×400.

The last multiple State qualifier was Sierra Sparkes, who ran a gutsy 800. She also qualified in the 4×800. Other State qualifiers were Heaven Conner and Evven Johnson in pole vault, Camille Radli, Marissa DiStefano, and Naomi Wyant in the 4×200 relay and Angelo Mulei and Lamar Woods in the 4×800 relay.