Wildcat guys almost catch defending Gold track champion TK

The Wayland boys’ varsity track team lost a close 72-65 dual meet decision Thursday to defending O-K Gold Conference champion Middleville Thornapple Kellogg.

Coach Marty Howard reported that despite the loss, “The Wildcats had a great day with many personal and season bests, but came up short.”

Individual winners were Carson Nieuwenhuis in the open 400-meter run, in 52.32 seconds; Justin Fleser in the 200-meter dash, 23.7 seconds; Owen Glass in the open 800, 2:08.11; Eric Villareal in the long jump at 17-5 and Carpenter in the shot put at 44-0.

Perry Carter, Jeremy Pletcher, Trent Thelen and Nieuwenhuis captured first in the 3200-meter relay in 8:50.76 and Fleser, Glass, Tim Rosewarne and Niewenhuis hooked up to the 1600 relay in 3:47.28.

PHOTO: Wildcat middle distance ace Carson Nieuwenhuis won the open 400-meter run and ran one leg for the winning 3200- and 1600-meter relay teams.