Oskaloosa boys track faces tough field at conference meet

INDIANOLA — The Oskaloosa boys track and field team competed Tuesday night at the Little Hawkeye Conference meet hosted by Indianola, facing one of the toughest collections of teams they have seen all season.

The Indians finished seventh in the team standings with six points against a conference loaded with strong programs and state-level competition.

Oskaloosa’s best finishes came from several relay teams that all earned seventh place. The sprint medley relay team of Carter Jordan, Aiden Todey, Oscar Chambers, and Iwy Buchanan finished seventh with a time of 1:44.03.

The 4×800 relay team of Blake Herny, Micah Van Ee, Sam Nelson, and Kellen Kauzlarich also placed seventh. Oskaloosa added seventh-place finishes in the distance medley relay, 4×200 relay, and 4×100 relay.

Even though the team struggled to score points against the elite competition, several athletes continued to improve individually. The Indians finished the night with 13 new personal records.

Athletes recording personal bests included Heston Bru, Iwy Buchanan, Oscar Chambers, Aaron Dye, Trevin Griffin, Drake Heeren, Blake Herny, Colton Hynick, Barrett Rinehart-Lynch, Jamison Ruby, and Aiden Todey.

The 4×100 relay team also posted a season-best mark during the meet.

Coaches said the pressure and level of competition were difficult for the team to handle at times, but they hope the experience helps the athletes respond as the postseason approaches.

Oskaloosa will finish the regular season next week with two trips to Pella, including the state qualifying district meet.