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Macksville Mustangs sign with college programs
Brook smith1
Macksville Mustang high jumper Brook Smith clears the bar at the 1A state track meet. Smith placed fifth (5-0). - photo by Courtesy Photo by Dick Smith

By JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com


MACKSVILLE — Macksville’s fifth-place high jump finisher Brooke Smith (5-0) was primed to return for an encore performance. She was poised for a strong senior track season when the Kansas State High School Activities Association canceled the spring season due to fear about the coronavirus. 

Macksville standout Cleven Huggins was a multi-event state qualifier with an 11th-place state finish in the 300 hurdles (42.85) and a 13th-place 1,600-meter relay (3:42.67) with Harley Blaske and Michael Seward returning. The 1,600 relay placed runner-up (3:36.72) at regionals and finished third (3:40.27) at the Central Prairie League meet.

Macksville coach Jennifer Gillespie said it was tough for the seniors to finish without a final track season.

“Obviously, we all feel for all the kids, but especially for the seniors,” said Macksville track coach Jennifer Gillespie. “Brooke Smith was in a great position to contend for an individual state high jump title. Harley Blaske would’ve contended for a return trip to state. Fortunately, for both athletes, their careers are not over. Brooke has signed to play volleyball next fall at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. Harley Blaske has signed a letter of intent to compete in football and track at McPherson College.” 

Huggins was a CPL runner-up in the 110-meter hurdles (17.11) and 300 hurdles (45.16). The 400-meter relay with Huggins and Blaske placed runner-up (46.86). Michael Seward captured the CPL pole vault (9-0) and placed fifth in the 400 (58.5). 

“Juniors Cleven Huggins and Michael Seward have college track coaches reaching out to them about continuing their careers,” Gillespie said.

Abi Ibarra placed 13th in the 1A 1,600 meters (6:05.92). Ibarra placed runner-up in the Central Prairie League 400 meters (1:08.2) and fifth in the 1,600 (6:06.38). 

“Sophomore Abi Ibarra, who qualified for state as a freshman in the 1,600-meters, would’ve led a solid showing for our distance core and the longer relays,” Gillespie said. “The younger athletes have learned a valuable lesson to not take anything for granted. Hopefully, this situation lights a fire under them and they gain a greater appreciation of the opportunities they have for next year.” 

Macksville’s other CPL place-winners were Kaylee Hottovy, sixth, 100 (14.61); Emma Sanders, fifth, 100 hurdles (21.98); sixth, triple jump (28-71.2); Lydia Mendez, sixth, 300 hurdles (1:01.73); Melanie Vargas, fourth, 3,200 (14:26.24); and the girls fifth-place 1,600 relay (4:39.24) with Ibarra, Elena Kuckelman and Sierra Britton returning. 

MACKSVILLE 2020 TRACK ROSTER

SENIORS—Harley Blaske (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, relays), Kiley Blevins, Kaylee Hottovy (800, relays), McKinley Hottovy (100, 200, relays), Elena Kuckelman (100, relays), Lydia Mendez (300 hurdles, 800), Brooke Smith (high jump, javelin), Gabe Wolff.

JUNIORS—Bri Cleveland, Cleven Huggins (110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, relays), Wilson Konrade, Alex Rodriguez (discus), Emma Sanders (triple jump), Kirby Sebes (javelin), Michael Seward (pole vault, 400, relays), Anna Suiter, Jonny Threlkeld (100, long jump), Camron Torres (200, long jump), Yuli Triana (discus, shot).

SOPHOMORES—Kimberly Arreola, Danielle Binns (shot, discus), Thoran Cross (3,200), Karen Hall, Abi Ibarra (400, 800, 1,600), James Lee (110 hurdles), Yobanny Martinez-Villa, Alex Mendez (triple jump, 800), Joshua Mooney, Fabian Ortiz (discus), Autumn Pate, Katie Ponce, Isaiah Rose (discus, javelin), Melanie Vargas (3,200).

NINTH-GRADERS—Cassidy Ary, Alexis Barron, Madison Butler, Amber Clawson, Lupita Galan, Joselin Garcia, Derek Hartman, Machia Huggins, Alvaro Ibarra, Rogelio Ibarra, Ryan Kuckelman, Lance Lickiss, Jesse Nava, Gustavo Portillo.