Hiland track team competes through low numbers

While the Hiland Hawks track team members may improve and achieve some good things this season, one thing is for sure: They aren’t going to intimidate the opposing teams with their numbers.Already faced with small numbers, spring break caused the Hiland track team to become even smaller for their meet on Tuesday, April 3 at Garaway High School.Without competitors in many of the events, the Hawks (14.5 points) were no match for Sandy Valley (82 points) and hosts Garaway (67.5 points) in the final team scores. Despite finishing third overall, Hiland head coach Mark Fowler was happy with his individual performers showing in their events. “Our shot and disc guys didn’t place tonight, but they are right up there. One of them (Brock Fowler) missed placing in the disc by four inches and it wasn’t his best throw. So we’re doing well. We just have to keep doing what we’re doing and don’t let anyone get injured,” Fowler said with a smile when talking about his team’s effort and limited numbers. “There are a couple that still aren’t in the shape we want them in and then it’s just working out form kinks and jitters, so I’m excited where we are at.”Much of the Hiland team traveled to Florida this week with the school’s band and choir programs. The returning athletes face a tough turnaround as Hiland heads to the West Holmes Invitational on Saturday. “They come back on Thursday. Hopefully they come back rested and ready to go.” Fowler continued, “That’s a big meet for the team, but as individuals, hopefully we can mess up things for the other teams. It also gives them an opportunity to see where they are at, going up against competition they may see in the District and Regional meets.”For the Hawks individually at Garaway, Miguel Sanchez and Enos Miller each placed in three events. Sanchez finished fourth in the long jump, third in the 110-meter high hurdles, and second in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles. Sanchez finished less than two seconds from school record in 300 intermediate hurdles, which Fowler sees him breaking as the season progresses.Miller finished fourth in the 100-meter dash, third in the 200-meter dash, and first in the 400-meter run. Kyle Troyer tied for second in the high jump to round out the points for the Hawks.