Bulldogs seek 1st district track title
A high standard was set for the Ida Baker boys’ track team in 2007 when the 4×800 relay team of Mallory Jackson, Chris Shepherd, Ian McParland and Harrison Philip ran to the school’s first-ever state championship. It came in the Bulldogs’ second year at the varsity level.
Since then, the Bulldogs have seen many different athletes join the team, and they’ve showcased their talent in a variety of events.
The boys’ team placed second in District 3A-13 last year, finishing 7.5 points behind Barron Collier, and hope to contend again this year.
The 3A-13 meet is Friday at Palmetto Ridge. The field events start at 10 a.m., followed by the track prelims at 1 p.m. and the finals at approximately 4 p.m.
“I think our team is right where they need to be heading into the district meet,” Baker coach Dan Butler said. “We have had some injuries, but many of our athletes have stepped up and they are filling in the spots for us.”
Both the boys’ and girls’ teams gained momentum in the LCAC meet at Island Coast. The Bulldog boys won the event while the girls were third.
The 4×800 has become a signature event for the Bulldogs. They’ve made it to state the past two years and believe they have another shot with Jessie Betts, Jeff Miller, Mark Fowler and Zach Nall.
In sprints, junior Joseph Byrd won the 100-meter title at the LCAC meet, running the distance in 10.40 seconds. He is the top seed in the 100 and 200 going into districts.
On the girls’ side, the Bulldogs again should be strong in the high jump with defending champion, junior Taylor Van Horn, and up-and-coming freshman Payton Van Horn. Payton could be a threat in the 100 hurdles and triple jump as well.
District 4A-7: Cape High advanced to regionals last year behind a strong sprint team, which still includes the likes of Prince Holloway, Spencer Boyd, Jaylen Watkins and Cameron Hall. They’ve also received a lift this season from newcomer Jeremy Davis.
Davis, a junior who formerly attended Fort Myers, has become a legit threat in the 100. He was edged by Baker’s Byrd in a close finish in the LCAC meet and takes on a different set of challengers at Thursday’s district meet at North Port.
The Seahawks have an experienced group of distance runners, including Blaker Behr and Bradley Beatty.
Along with Cape, Mariner and North Fort Myers send teams to North Port to try and qualify for regionals.
The Tritons are led by senior Courtney Anderson. The defending district champion set the school record in the high jump in the LCAC meet with a jump of 5 feet, 8 1/2 inches. She is attempting to reach the state meet for the fourth time.
Senior Emily LaBarbera continues to lead the Tritons’ effort in distance and relay races.
Tre Boston, who won the LCAC high jump title and distance runner Zach Kovacik are among the leaders for the Red Knights.