By Chance Burk

Although sports are played every day and everywhere, success is hard to come by. Success demands hard work, dedication, and pressured performances. For the Merritt High School track teams, success is contagious.

The Merritt High School track teams are led by head coach Kale Hixon. Entering his second season, Coach Hixon wanted to continue the success that he found in year one. He was able to do so. Merritt had nine boys and seven girls qualify for state
in 13 different events. They also fielded a state champion in senior Breegan Barnett, who won her second class 2A title in the 300m hurdles this spring.

The boys that qualified for the state track meet: Riley Herndon, Caden Smith, Mos Flowers, Luke Peffer, Cole Carter, Coy Bullard, Talan Frazier, Dawson Michel and John Johnson. Coach Hixon held the boy’s team in high regard and admired their dedication and adaptability. They faced some injuries but were able to overcome the challenges.

Barnett, Myleigh Flowers, Preslie Taylor, Chyann McIntosh, Madalyn Wimberly, Ashlee Sosa and Payten Fite qualified for the state meet.

“These girls really pushed themselves and each other this year. They went to that next level,” Hixon said.

There are a lot of reasons why the teams were able to find so
much success. For Barnett, hard work was at the top of the list.

“The grit and determination every athlete had pushed each individual to
be their best,” Breegan said.

Chloe Stout, a junior on the girl’s team, expressed that team chemistry was a huge factor in the success of the team.

“I think the biggest reason for the team’s success was the connection everyone had with each other. Having those connections helped us want to be better and to do better,” Chloe said.

The successful season was filled with great moments, but there were also many obstacles the team faced along the way. Although they have had multiple successful seasons in the past and a successful season this year, the team does not have a home track, “which makes things difficult for training,” Hixon said. “We have to go to other schools in the evenings,” Hixon said.

Although this was a hardship for the team, they found a way to push through and keep their spirits high.

“The athletes have shown tremendous dedication by coming on their own time outside of school to practice,” Hixon said.

The team hopes to continue the success they achieved this season. They plan to use their hard work and dedication to improve in the coming years.