Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs track teams show grit at SBU meet

The Gainesville Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs track and field teams turned in a record-setting performance at a large meet held Tuesday, April 21, at Southwest Baptist University, according to head coach Gary Emrick.

Competing against 86 schools from Classes 1 through 3, Gainesville athletes faced some of the toughest competition they will see all season. “Both teams showed tremendous heart, hustle and pride throughout the day,” Emrick said.

Despite the long hours and high level of competition, Gainesville athletes continued to make strides. The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs combined to set 20 personal records while also establishing several new all-time school marks.

School records were set by Archer Luna in the steeplechase, Jessica Suit in the steeplechase, and Mallory Simpson in the 300-meter hurdles.

On the boys side, personal records were turned in by Zyler Rowland (100m, 3200m), Kyle Smolka (200m), Danny Mason (800m, 3200m), Zaiden Rodrigue (1600m), Archer Luna (2000m steeplechase), Bryar Swartz (2000m steeplechase), Macray Hambelton (discus), Jaxon McQuigg (discus), Jasper James (javelin), and Dylan Abraham (triple jump).

For the Lady Bulldogs, Faith Avila (100m), Sarah Klessig (1600m), Jessica Suit (3200m, 2000m steeplechase), Jenna Kahl (100m hurdles), Mallory Simpson (2000m steeplechase, javelin), and Anna Klessig (javelin) all posted career-best performances.

Gainesville also brought home several top-eight finishes. Jessica Suit led the way with a fifth-place finish in the 3200-meter run and a sixth-place showing in the 2000-meter steeplechase. The girls 4x800 relay team of Kaitlyn Kahl, Nina Sponaugle, Suit, and Annabell Snelson added a sixth-place finish.