The last Manhattan High Varsity Track meet was May 9, 2019. 

But after almost two years away, the team started their season last Thursday with first place for both boys and girls teams at the Topeka West Invitational. MHS was joined by Emporia, Seaman, Topeka West, and Topeka High. 

The boy’s team totaled 256 points in a blowout victory. Junior Joe Hall placed first in both the 4x100m relay and the 4x400m relay, while also placing third in the long jump and fourth in the 100m dash. 

“I think the biggest takeaway is just how everyone competed. We didn’t expect any PRs with the weather and it being our first meet. But everyone just did what it took to win,” Hall said.” And the level of competitiveness is what we’re going to need in these future big meets.” 

Hall said he believed they could take this momentum into their next meet.

“I have a lot of faith in our guys,” Hall said. “I know with another week to sharpen some things up, we’ll come even stronger individually and as a team.” 

Girls Varsity also took first place, scoring 198 points. Senior Captain Taylor Claussen competed in the Javelin throw, taking first place with a final throw of 127’3”. 

“[Getting back out on the track] was really good. I enjoyed being able to get out there and compete and throw on good facilities,” Claussen said. “I would say our biggest challenge now is finding a quality place for us to practice as we go into more competitive meets.” 

Senior captain Damian Ilalio is one of a number of senior athletes who lost their junior seasons due to the pandemic, Ilalio, currently committed to Kansas State University for football, competes in shot put and discus and was state champion in shot put as a sophomore.

“It’s really hard especially for those who didn’t do summer or winter track,” Ilalio said. “It’s almost like learning how to throw from square one all over again.” 

Ilalio ended up second in both events Thursday. 

“If I’m being honest the competition wasn’t that good, but I’m proud of the team and how we did,” he said. “We’re projected to be state champs so I know that everyone won’t be satisfied with anything less than first.” 

Track will be back in action at home Wednesday with the Junior Varsity meet and with Varsity on Thursday in Junction City.