West Catholic, Sparta Share OK Blue Conference Crown, For the fifth consecutive year, the Sparta girls track and field team are conference champs. However, this year they will have a little company. At the OK Blue Conference Meet at Comstock Park, the Spartans failed to hold off the Falcons from West Catholic, scoring 112 points to West's 121 points. Forest Hills Northern finished in third with 86 points. Although the Sparta girls finished the dual season undefeated, they ran into some trouble at the conference meet. The first day of competition was unkind to the Spartans, as they only managed to score 8 points through the throwing events, jumping events, and 3200 meter relay. Misfortune struck the 3200 meter relay team as they were disqualified after placing first for running outside of the inside lane. Coach Adam Pfeffer had this to say, "We got off to a rough start, I didn't see (the lane violation), but we had to deal with it and battle back." Junior Andrea Kober did everything she could to help the Spartans get back on top. Kober scored a whopping 25 points, winning both hurdle events, and winning as a member of the 800 and 1600 meter relays. Katelyn Cnossen and Ally Scheidel also had huge days for the Spartans, scoring 16 and 14 points respectively. Says Pfeffer of his girls, "Andrea was absolutely huge for us, and Kelsey Blystone in the 100 as well as anchoring (the 400 and 800 meter relays), it's important to have someone that can just break people like that." Despite the adversity, the Spartans managed to overcome and scored enough points to clinch a share of the title. Many of the girls were disappointed after the first day of competition, but at the end of the second day, it didn't matter anymore. West Catholic and Sparta posed together with their trophies enjoying the moment. The Sparta girls wealth of young talent and power will ensure that they contend for a conference title for many years to come. posted from mlive.com |