THE REPORTER
For the first time ever, the Noblesville Unified track team is a state champion.
The Millers were making their record sixth appearance at the Unified state finals, which took place last Saturday at Indiana University in Bloomington. Noblesville claimed its first Unified state title by edging out Valparaiso and Fort Wayne Carroll: The Millers scored 112 points, while the Vikings and the Chargers tied for second with 109 points each.
“We have been involved with Unified since the beginning,” said Noblesville coach Matt Johnston. “Noblesville has been that school that’s been there. We had a second-place years ago, but we never were able to break through and actually win the championship. So to be able to get it this year is a big deal.”
Noblesville was helped by six section wins. First was the boys 4×100 relay team, which consisted of Britton Cole, Cole Richardson, Kuljeet Mehra and Blake Koven.
Sarah Millikan picked up a win in the 100 dash, while Isaac Yost and Noah Morris were both winners in the 400 dash. Gabby Rupert got a victory in the long jump and Luke Davis was a winner in the shot put.
“It was really, really special,” said Morris. “It’s my favorite event. The atmosphere it brings and all your teammates cheering for you.”
“All season, they kept pushing themselves and getting PRs,” said Johnston. “Even though some didn’t do as well today, they still pushed themselves and it made a difference. It was great to see them do that.”
“It’s awesome,” said Morris. “I am so excited for my team and everything our team has done this year. Since I am a senior, and winning our first one, it’s special.”
Westfield placed eighth at the state meet, scoring 83 points. Keagan Cheesman picked up a section victory in the long jump.
Team scores: Noblesville 112, Valparaiso 109, Fort Wayne Carroll 109, Penn 104, Elkhart 97, Bloomington North 95, Pendleton Heights 84, Westfield 83, Bedford North Lawrence 75, Portage 73, Bloomington South 64, Avon 63.
Girls 4×100 relay
Section 1 – 2. Noblesville (Kenny Blount, Aubrey Griffin, Jordin Clark, Lydia Nelson-Mercer) 59.22, 4. Westfield (Emma Kate Greer, Kenzie Cason, Jaelyn Owens, Katalina Schweck) 1:01.80.
Boys 4×100 relay
Section 1 – 1. Noblesville (Britton Cole, Cole Richardson, Kuljeet Mehra, Blake Koven) 48.13, 5. Westfield (Landon Porter, Shawn Landrum, Thomas Vandegriff, Patrick Craig) 50.75.
Mixed 100 dash
Section 1 – 2. Thomas Vandegriff (W) 11.83.
Section 2 – 8. Sophia Millikan (N) 14.78.
Section 3 – 8. Heidi Burke (W) 15.16.
Section 4 – 8. Brandon Price (W) 16.06.
Section 5 – 1. Sarah Millikan (N) 16.11, 2. Cason (W) 16.27, 6. Mo Ashour (N) 17.88.
Section 6 – 2. Eliza Bozell (N) 19.47.
Mixed 400 dash
Section 1 – 3. Jack Dietz (W) 56.05.
Section 2 – 4. Talon Nicholson (N) 1:02.25.
Section 4 – 1. Isaac Yost (N) 1:15.00, 8. Ty Cassidy (W) 1:22.00.
Section 5 – 1. Noah Morris (N) 1:15.39, 2. Ava Owens (W) 1:15.49.
Section 6 – 4. Peyton Ramey (N) 1:36.14, 5. John Actub (W) 1:37.36.
Mixed long jump
Flight 1 – 3. Ben Wiggins (W) 17-10, 4. Dane Hogle (W) 17-1.
Flight 3 – 7. Patrick Craig (W) 11-6.5, 8. Clark (N) 10-5.25.
Flight 4 – 1. Gabby Rupert (N) 12-2.5.
Flight 5 – 4. E. Bozell (N) 9-7.
Flight 6 – 1. Keagan Cheesman (W) 8-11.25, 4. Jessica Neal (N) 6-9.25.
Mixed shot put
Flight 1 – 3. Gavin Dietz (W) 46-0.75, 7. Case Reynolds (W) 40-11.75.
Flight 2 – 7. Landrum (W) 35-4.
Flight 3 – 1. Luke Davis (N) 37-5.25.
Flight 4 – 5. Ty Cassidy (W) 21-2.5, 7. David Lesko (N) 21-0.75.
Flight 5 – 6. Matthew Dean (N) 18-6.5.
Flight 6 – 3. Abby Bozell (N) 16-7.