The top two athletes on the Washington Demon boys’ track team took center stage Friday at the Iowa Girls and Boys Track and Field meet in Des Moines. The Demons competed in three events on day two of the state track meet, all on the boys’ side.
Senior Tommy Peterson ended his high school athletic career among the top three shot put throwers in Class 3A. Peterson’s best throw of 53 feet 4 inches was the third best throw in the state, one foot 3 inches shorter than his personal record. Washington boys’ track coach Steve Roth says Peterson’s jumped several spots with his last throw, “He was going into the finals in sixth place and he went from sixth place to third on his final throw.” Roth said, “I have talked about him not getting his best throw off early and he saved his best for last. We are all pleased and happy for Tommy.”
Fellow classmate Jacob Hennigan was the other main story line for the Demons on Friday, qualifying for the finals of the 110 meter hurdles. His preliminary time of 14.12 seconds is a personal best for Hennigan, advancing him to today’s finals as the seventh best performer in Class 3A. Roth is happy Hennigan gets to race in today’s finale, “He just spent a lot of time getting ready for this race.” Roth said, “He was clean on all the hurdles and ran a great race.”
The Demons’ 4×200 meter team also competed Friday in the finales of Class 3A. The crew of Ethan Hansen, Bryce Rickey, Kyle Schindler, and Gage Redlinger clocked a time of 1:35.08, the 23rd best time in the state.
Washington’s track teams are competing in three events on the final day of the Iowa Girls and Boys State Track and Field meet. The shuttle hurdle relay starts the day in the finals at 11:40 p.m. The team competing will be Hennigan, Alex Gonzalez, Caleb Bex, and Redlinger. Senior Macy Marek will compete in the finals of the girls 100 meter dash at 12:15 p.m. Finally, Hennigan is set to run in the 110 meter hurdle final at 12:45 p.m.
Listen to KCII for updates throughout the day from the Iowa Girls and Boys Track and Field meet in Des Moines.