A canceled meet, Easter break and a smaller available group meant the Milford track team didn’t score as high at Platteview March 28.
Avery Carter didn’t let that slow him down, however.
“Sophomore Avery Carter shattered the school record in the 800m run,” Coach Cody Gregory said.
His time of 1:58.68 broke Carter Roth’s previous record of 2:01.24.
“Avery becomes the first boy in school history to break the illustrious two-minute barrier,” Gregory said. “For Avery to run that fast in March is truly impressive, especially since it’s only the second time he’s run this race.”
Eight sophomores last year broke two minutes, and most of those came later in the season, Gregory said.
Even running that fast, Carter was not the race champion. He finished behind senior Jackson Feauto of Lincoln Christian, who ran a 1:56.8.
“It cannot be overstated how big of a deal this is for Avery and Milford High School,” Gregory said. “Truly impressive!”
The Eagles were scheduled to compete at Wilber-Clatonia March 26, but the meet was called off because of the cold. A ski trip for Fellowship of Christian Athletes that left March 28 meant part of the team was gone. However, 21 athletes represented Milford.
A total of 27 personal records came from 18 athletes, and the team brought home seven medals in six events.
In addition to Carter’s sub-two-minute 800, the MHS distance runner won the 1,600-meter run in 4:42.29 less than an hour after the 800.
Garrett Freeman was in both races as well, finishing fifth in the 800 in a personal best 2:07.52.
“He has shown great promise in this event, and we look forward to him scoring very consistently throughout the season,” Gregory said.
Cash Martin improved his best mark in the pole vault, clearing 10-6. Gregory said he is adjusting to new poles but has a lot of potential.
Junior Aiden Henson placed in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes. His time of 11.42 seconds in the 100 and 23.69 in the 200 were both personal bests. He was second in the 100 and fifth in the 200.
Henson raced against Landon Fye and Sam Edmonds of Wahoo. Fye, a sophomore this season, was third in the 100 and 200 and fifth in the 400 at state last year running for Crete.
“He is considered one of the top sprinters in Nebraska,” Gregory said. “Aiden really benefited by racing some top-tier talent and speed.”
In the girls’ competition, Lilly Kenning took the track in the 400-meter dash and finished third with a 1:01.66, just off the school record of 1:01.09. That record came in 2005 by Amanda Roth.
Kenning did not run the 1,600 later because she was dealing with cramping in her hamstring and calves, Gregory said.
Kinley Petsch earned sixth in the pole vault at 8-6, her second personal best height in two meets.
The Eagles will be in action Friday, April 5, at home for a triangular with Louisville and Nebraska City starting at 4 p.m.
The Milford Booster Invite is Tuesday, April 9, starting at 3 p.m.
