The Switzerland County boys track team earned seventh place at the Sectional held at East Central last Thursday night.
Senior Ben Hickman placed first in the long jump, and in doing so broke his personal record and the sectional record with 21’ 6”. The Sectional record had previously been held by former Switzerland County athlete Torrey Curry.
Two other Pacer athletes also placed well enough in the Sectional to qualify along with Ben Hickman for the Regional, which is tonight (Thursday) at Connersville.
Senior B. J. Shelton placed fourth in the shot put; while Brandon Otter placed fourth in the high jump. The top four in each event qualify for the Regionals.
Other Pacer track team members also had good Sectionals:
— Kyle Green placed fifth in the high jump.
— The relay team of Ben Hickman, Nathan Hickman, Brandon Otter and Kyle Green placed fifth in the 400-meter relay.
— Senior Josh Snow placed eighth in the 400-meter run; and Nathan Hickman placed eighth in the high hurdles.
“I was very proud of all my guys tonight. On top of those who did place, several more were right there battling it out for spots,” coach Sean McGarvey said. “Congratulations to Ben Hickman, B. J. Shelton and Brandon Otter for advancing to regionals.”
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The Switzerland County girls track team placed 12th in their sectional, ending their season as no member of the Lady Pacer squad advanced to the Regional.
The lone Switzerland County scorer was freshman Christina Ahaus, who earned sixth place in the shot put with a toss of 31’ 5”.
“I am proud of everyone that participated in the meet,” Coach Adam Dennis said. “We had a very young group of girls that got a taste of some really solid competition at the Sectional, and I think that every single one of them grew from it.”