(Avoca) -- The AHSTW boy’s track team has their sights set on scoring some big points at this weekend’s state track meet.
“We’ve had the luxury of some good practice time this week,” AHSTW coach G.G. Harris said. “We want to feel really light and get our bodies and legs feeling really good. The boys are feeling good, getting excited and ready to run.”
Gage Clay will look to repeat as the 2A 200 meter champion, hopes to improve on last year’s second place finish in the 100 and will team up with Jake and Korbin Martin and Drake Partridge in the 4x100 and 4x200 meter relays.
“I’ve got the utmost confidence in (Gage),” Harris said. “He’s got a major opportunity this week to continue to do some really special things. He’s so hungry and wants to win (both the 100 and 200).”
Clay has continued to put down lower and lower 100 times throughout the season. Coach Harris says that’s something he’s really focused on.
“He’s been right there in the 100,” Harris aid. “It’s one of those things, that’s been a personal focal point. He’s putting up faster times than he ever has. He’s ready to run and race. He’s just such a happy kid, and he truly loves to compete at that level.”
Clay – in an interview with KMA Sports following his four-gold performance at the state qualifying meet in Treynor last week – expressed excitement for his relay teammates.
“I’m excited for all my other teammates,” Clay said. “They’ve come a long way, competing in practices and coming here and showing everybody they’re dominant. More dominant than me. I’m proud of them.”
The Vikings will also run in the sprint medley relay with both Martins, Partridge and R.J. Harris.
“They’re relishing in the opportunity,” Harris said. “We’re excited to see what Jake can do in that 400. We think we’ve got some good kids to give us a good lead, and I’m excited to see what he can do with a baton in his hand with 400 to go.”
Clay will open the Vikings events on Thursday afternoon at 4:40 PM in the 200 meter dash preliminaries. Both Clay and Korbin Martin will run in the 100 preliminary Thursday evening at approximately 6:45. The 100 and 200 finals are approximately 12:55 and 2:05 on Saturday afternoon.
The 4x200 relay is slated for a 4:00 start on Friday afternoon while the 4x100 prelims will run at 6:40. The sprint medley relay final comes on Saturday morning around 9:50.
Hear the complete interview with Coach Harris below.