Bulldogs Excel at Kearney Classic
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Kearney High School’s track and field teams turned in a strong showing Friday, April 10, at the Kearney Classic, their only home meet of the 2026 season.
Competing against a very competitive field, the Bulldog boys finished second as a team, just seven points behind Liberty North, while the Lady Bulldogs placed fourth and scored in the majority of events. It was an impressive day all around, with multiple season-best and personal-best performances, standout relay results and a chance to recognize seniors competing in their final home invitational.
For the boys, Sam Way led the way with a first-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles. Reid Perkins placed second in the 400-meter dash and first in the triple jump, while Braxton Byrom added a third-place finish in the 400.
Kearney also had a big night in the relays, with the 4x400 team of Braxton Byrom, Sam Way, Connor Reid and Reid Perkins taking first place, the 4x200 team of Braxton Byrom, Lucas Denston, Reid Perkins and Sam Way finishing second, and the 4x800 team of Connor Reid, Atlas Owen, Cameron Fowler and Milo Griffith placing third.
In the boys' field events, Henry Hoover was second in discus, Cruise Emmons was second in javelin, Hudson Best was third in javelin, Damien Carter was fourth in javelin, and Aiden Arellano was second in pole vault. Coach Scott Crall also highlighted the performances of freshmen Tristan Barton and Hunter Phipps, both of whom broke the five-minute mark in the 1600-meter run.
The Lady Bulldogs also delivered an outstanding performance on their home track. Drew Gustafson earned a first-place finish in the 300 hurdles, and Daisy Burnam won the 1600 while also taking second in the 3200. The 4x800 relay team of Abbi McQuillen, Jordin Vaughn, Daisy Burnam and Izzy Fowler placed second, and Maya Sosoatu added another runner-up finish in discus.
The meet also served as a special moment to honor KHS seniors Abbi McQuillen, Camille Hermon, Jordin Vaughn, Daisy Burnam, Josie Masters, Maya Sosoatu and Tristen Holt as they competed in their final Kearney Classic.
KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.
