Galena girls claim fourth straight title
Galena continues to roll in Regionals. Galena’s 132 team points were enough to best Spanish Springs (123) and Douglas (101.67) at track and field Regionals on Saturday. The team title is fourth consecutive regional girls track and field 5A-North crown for the Grizzlies.
“We just have athletes that when we ask them to step it up, they do,” veteran Galena track coach Wendy Sullivan said. “We have competitors. We have a saying that when the lights go on, you show up, do your best and see what happens.”
Junior distance runner Eleanor Raker was solid for Galena. She cruised by the field to win Saturday’s 800m in a time of 2:19.22. She also grabbed a bunch of team points with second-place finishes in the 1600m (5:19.39) and 3200m (11:09.04).
The two longer races were two of the more highly anticipated races of the meet. Bishop Manogue’s Amaya Aramini stood atop the winners podium after both.
Alyssa Dixon was also stellar a competitor for the Grizzlies. The athletic sophomore set a personal record in the long jump, winning the event by jumping 17-0.5. Galena’s Abigail Simmons was second in the event, clearing 16-3.
Dixon was also second in the 200m and 400m with times of 25.64 and 58.37.
Grizzlies senior McKenzie Garrett cleared 5-4, helping the GHS cause by winning the high jump. Garrett was also fifth in the shot put (31-8.25).
“McKenzie is the only athlete on the roster who has been part of the four straight regional titles,” Sullivan said. “She’s a super fun kid. She’s going to go to Baylor to run track. She’s amazing. I love all these girls. It will be interesting to see what they do at state.”
Additionally, Galena grabbed girls team points by winning the 4x100m (49.74) and the 4x200m (1:44.56) relays.
The 5A State Track & Field meet is scheduled for May 17-18 at Carson High.