Cyclones win Carstens Invite title at the wire
HARLAN (April 9) -- The Harlan Community boys track team picked a perfect time to win its only gold medal during Tuesday’s Ken Carstens Cyclone Invitational.
Leading Atlantic by one point with one event to go, HCHS held off the Trojans by less than half a second to win the 4x400 relay and claim its fourth team title in five meets this season by a 124-121 margin at Merrill Field. Treynor placed third with 80 points and St. Albert (75) and OA-BCIG (71) filled out the top five of an 11-team field.
The Cyclones have now beaten Atlantic twice in head-to-head competition this spring by a combined five points. Tuesday’s home victory was keyed by a 40-6 advantage in the field events over the Trojans and a 26-7 edge in three hurdles events.
“Overall, a lot of positives. We’re happy to defend the home turf and keep the trophy case full,” said HCHS coach Sam Brummer.
The meet title ultimately boiled down to the 4x400 and its anchor runners - Michael Erlemeier of HCHS and Chase Mullenix of Atlantic, an Iowa State signee. Two weeks ago at Denison, Mullenix rallied past Erlemeier on the anchor lap to give the Trojans a 4x4 win. On Tuesday, Erlemeier once again took the baton with about an eight to 10-meter lead courtesy of teammates Eli Boldan, Johnathan Monson and Jon Owens.
The lead held strong for 200 meters before Mullenix made his move on the curve and nearly pulled into a dead heat with Erlemeier on the straightaway with about 40 to go. This time, Erlemeier held off the Trojan standout, finishing strong to give the Cyclones their first gold of the night - 3:29.44 to 3:29.91 - and clinch the team win in thrilling fashion.
Overall, the Cyclones scored 24 times in 17 out of 19 events, blanked only in the 100-meter dash and the high jump. Atlantic led the field with six gold medals, including five different athletes winning the 200, 400, 800, 1,600 and 3,200, but its lack of points in the field events proved critical.
HCHS senior Derec Weyer posted two PR throws on the night, placing second in the discus (159-4, 11th-best in the state according to Quik Stats) and third in the shot put (49-10.75). Senior Caleb Bieker was just as effective, placing second in the shot put (season-best 50-10.5) and third in the discus (149-0).
Another key individual event was the 400 hurdles as Jon Owens placed second in 58.75 and Thomas Fah was third with a PR of 59.02.