The De Soto High School varsity track and field team kicked off its season with the Leavenworth meet on March 27.

The meet was held at DHS with Leavenworth, Mill Valley, Topeka, Bishop Miege, Louisburg and Sumner Academy were competing.

The girls were able to have many athletes place in the top three in their division.

Junior Gabby Collins took first in the 800-meter dash and third in the 3200-meter run. Junior Sydney Selk placed second in triple jump and third in 400-meter dash, and junior Mariah Grizzle got first in 100-meter hurdles. Junior Kelsey Heer placed third in shot put and second in discus.

The boys’ team had many athletes place in the top three as well.

Sophomore Sam Hubert was awarded second in the 3200-meter run. Senior Daric Coffee took second in pole vault with junior Connor Nimrod finishing third. Junior Zach Titus received first place in shot put and Sophomore Martin Searcy placed first in 110-meter and second in 300-meter hurdles.

Searcy was anxious for the beginning of a new track season, but that quickly subsided when he competed and received his results.

“Since it was the first track meet of the season I was nervous because I had to do a new event, but after I did the hurdles I was just really excited because I won,” Searcy said.

Overall, the girls’ team placed second and the boys’ team placed fifth out of the seven teams who attended.  

Now that the first meet of the season is done, the athletes are hoping to continue to improve and are excited for the remainder of the season.