Western sophomore Jacob Wielenga cleared 5’-10” Thursday evening to win the high jump, and he did it by keeping things simple.

    “I just jumped,” he said. “It was surprising to keep clearing the bar every time, but I just kept jumping.”

    Wielenga’s efforts helped Western’s boys track and field team beat Interstate-8 foe Coldwater last night, 97-66.

    The Panthers won all four relays and most of the open events.

    “We weren’t the smoothest, but we got it done,” said senior William Melton, specifically about the hurdle events—Melton and fellow senior Titan Parker went one-two in the 300m intermediate hurdles, but two-three in the 110m high hurdles—but the according to coach Lucas Sponsler the team is in a good place for this time of year.

“Competition and training in April is all about figuring out who fits where and what we need to do to be ready for later in May,” he said. “It’s when a team finds its personality.”

    First place finishes in other track events included senior Jackson Jones in the 200m, sophomore Ryan Good in the 800m, and junior Edison Lopeman in the 1600m and 3200m. Adding to Wielenga’s win in the high jump, other field event wins came from senior Adam Carlson in the Pole Vault and senior Brennan Vainer in the shot put.

     Jones joined fellow seniors Evan Craddock and Michael Brant, and junior Jackson Barnes to win the 4x100m relay. The 4x200m relay was manned by Parker, Craddock, Brant, and Jones. Melton, Craddock, Brant, and senior Seth Good won the 4x400m relay, and the 4x800m relay was won by Isaac Fullerton, Lopeman, Seth Good, and Ryan Good.

     More results can be found at https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/595970/results

     The Panthers are scheduled to host Marshall on Tuesday, April 8.