Panthers look strong in home opener

Nobody could catch Hannah Gilbert, number 2, as the Panthers’ junior won the 1,500 meters in the March 20 home opener. Photo by Truman Swartzfager.

The Central High School track season is off and running … and the Panthers looked pretty good in their home opener.

The first meet of the season was March 20, and McKay, West Albany and Willamina were also in the house.

For the Central girls, senior Lili Nunez won the javelin and 200 meters. She placed third in the 100, and ran on the winning 4X100 relay as well.

Freshman Brynn Taufa’asau started her prep career in top form, with wins in the 100 and high jump. She anchored the 4X100 relay.

Amanda McArthur won the long and triple jumps. Other first-place efforts came from Anna Cole in the discus and from Hannah Gilbert in the 1500.

The boys were powered by Gabe Haines, who won the shot put and discus, and Jordan Vega Ramos, who won the 100 and 200 meter races.

Also taking first were Ryan Perkins in the long jump, Copeland Hayes in the javelin, Aidan Wendring in the 3000 and Ryan Burgett in the 400.

On March 21, Ty Cirino dominated the Johnny Sundstrom Invitational in Mapleton. The sophomore won both the 1500 and 3000 meters, narrowly missing school records in both races.

The teams compete next at Friday’s Titan Track Classic at West Salem High School. First event begins at 2:30 p.m.