Harrisburg track and field athletes claimed three individual titles and a school-record performance Saturday at the Licklider Relays at Jefferson City High School, despite being the smallest school in the 17-team field.

The meet boasted an array of large area high schools, including Hickman, Francis Howell, Helias Catholic, and Blue Springs, along with fellow Central State 8 school South Callaway.

Harrisburg coach Blake Logan said he looks forward to this meet, not only because his athletes face competition from some of the larger schools in the state, but because the state championships are held on the site.

“We always enjoy attending this meet at Jefferson City High School,” Logan said. “It allows our athletes to compete against the best competition in our area and occasionally the entire state. Competing at Jeff City also allows our athletes to get accustomed to the facilities in which the state track meet is held. Harrisburg athletes have thrived if they return in late May to compete for a state championship.”

Senior Bradey Simpson won the girls’ discus with a personal-record throw of 39.70 meters. Senior Poppy Spry nearly broke her own school record while winning the pole vault, clearing 3.05 meters. Senior Jonathan Darwent won the boys’ shot put with a mark of 16.37 meters.

In the pentathlon, junior Kori Crane dominated the girls’ division, winning with a school-record total of 2,557 points. Senior Caleb Nichols finished eighth overall in the boys’ division.

The event features the 100-meter dash, high jump, shot put, long jump, and 800-meter run.

“Kori Crane and Caleb Nichols both competed in the pentathlon, which attracts very well-rounded athletes who run, jump, and throw,” explained Harrisburg coach Blake Logan. “Caleb was in second place most of the day and finished with a top-8 place. Kori ran away with the girls’ division championship after posting very solid marks in all five events. She showed composure and used her experience from the previous season to come away with the victory.”

Additional medalists for Harrisburg included senior Rylee Robinson, who placed fifth in the javelin (45.22 meters) and eighth in the pole vault (3.66 meters); junior Josey Whitaker, fifth in the 3,200-meter run (13:36); senior Bender Wardrip, sixth in the shot put (14.53 meters; senior Kenle Oglesby, sixth in the discus (34.8m); freshman Carly Price, seventh in the shot put (10.15m); and freshman Lillian Hirner, eighth in the 3,200-meter run (14:59).

“Being the smallest school in the meet made for stiff competition, and I was proud of the way our kids battled,” Logan said. “Bradey hit a big PR in discus and is less than two meters off the school record. Poppy went for a school record (which she owns) after winning the pole vault. Jonathan had a huge day, scoring 18 points and winning shot put.”

Logan also said the chilly and blustery conditions tested his athletes. “We overcame moments of adversity in cold and windy conditions that will help us be prepared for conditions in the postseason. I’m very proud of the way our kids battled and gave effort throughout the meet.”

Harrisburg traveled to Hallsville for a varsity meet Monday and will host a junior varsity meet at home Wednesday. The Bulldogs travel to Mokane on April 30 to compete in the CS8 Conference meet at South Callaway High School. The postseason officially begins on May 9 with a Class 2 District 4 meet at New Bloomfield High School. A week later is the Class 2 State Sectional 2, hosted by South Callaway. Top performers will then move on to the Class 2 state meet at Jefferson City on May 22-23.