Carson track off to a strong start

The Carson High boys and girls track teams came into the Reed Invitational with a goal winning the meet. Both teams got off to a strong start on Friday.

Kayla Sanchez and Matt Moore each won the 300-meter hurdles with Sanchez setting a school record to lead an oustanding effort by the Senators. While scores were still unofficial as of Friday night, Carson coach Todd Ackerman said he believed both his boys and girls teams were leading heading into the final day of competition today.

Thirty-three schools are competing in the meet, including Northern 4A powers Reno High and Galena, who are both at full strength. Also at the meet are Sacramento area schools and Southern 4A power Palo Verde.

"We talked about our boys and girls have a shot to win this, which would be the first time in a long time if ever," Ackerman said.

Ackerman said many of his athletes needed to step up for Carson to have a chance to win. "So after day one I would say they have done that," he said.

Sanchez won the 300 hurdles in a school record 45.59 seconds while Moore and Seth Carter went one-two in the 300 hurdles. Moore won in 40.05 and Carter finished in 41.2.

Also in the girls 300 hurdles, Amanda Benson was sixth (50.18), Lindsay Ford was seventh (50.84) and Andrea Keirstead was eighth (50.95).

Sanchez also qualified for today's 100 finals with the fastest time, a season best 12.65.

Tilor Smith continued his rivalry with Smith Valley's Jordan Savidge in the long jump, with Smith jumping a season best 21 feet, 10 1/2 inches. Smith had to settle for second after Savidge beat him by a half-inch with a leap of 21-11 on his last jump.

Also for Carson, Alex McAlman took thirdin the girls shot put at 33-11 and Josh Heilman qualified for today's 200 final in 23.75. For the frosh-soph boys, Will Holbert was fourth in the 300 hurdles in 45.55.