FREDERICKTOWN — The Clear Fork Colts dominated the competition at this season’s Fredericktown Invitational, held Friday at Fredericktown High School.
The Colts ran away from the other girls teams, totaling 192 points, a full 74 points ahead of host Fredericktown. Danville came in third with 68, beating out Centerburg (65). For the boys, Clear Fork (126 1/2) held off surges by Utica and Centerburg (both 105), as well as impressive showings by East Knox (81), Highland (78) and Fredericktown (76 1/2).
Fredericktown’s Emily Roberts didn’t quite PR in the 1,600 or in the 3,200, although she did establish an all-time meet record in the 3,200 (11:25.39). Both times on Friday would likely get her as far as the state meet. Roberts, whose 3,200 PR (11:17.99) is more than a minute better than anyone else’s in the area, said her friend and teammate Nick Gaumer, who was killed in an auto accident in December, is her inspiration.
“I’ve been training harder since Nick’s death,” said Roberts after her 1600. “I feel like I owe him something.”
As for her prospects for state, Roberts, again, had everything in perspective.
“I guess, whatever God has in store for me,” said Roberts. “I just try to work really hard and do my best. That’s all I can ask.”
For the boys, Highland’s Logan Ebersole won the 1600 and the 3200 with times of 5:01.78 and 11:01.47, respectively.
“The cold weather makes it nice, so you’re not all hot and sweaty,” said Ebersole. “But, at the same time, it’s just relaxing. ... Fredericktown’s always treated me good, and it feels good to finally come home with a win.”
It was a big day for Utica’s Artie Douglas, who established a long-awaited mark on Friday when he leaped 6-feet-0 in the high jump.
“It’s unexplainable, beating that six foot (mark),” said Douglas. “It’s what I’ve been working on since last year. That was the height that I couldn’t get, so it feels really good to get that height that I hadn’t conquered yet.”
Douglas’ next goal is 6-foot-2, which would give him a good shot at state.
“I know I can get it,” said Douglas. “Just stay healthy. I’m confident in my abilities and everything I work at. I can get that soon.”
Douglas later ran the final leg of the 4x200 relay, just missing first place by 19/100 of a second to Centerburg.
