Local Teams Get On Track

Zykeria Dawkins anchored the Sebring track team's 4x100 meter first-place finish and picked up the gold in the 100 meters individually on Thursday as the Blue Streaks welcomed Avon Park, Lake Placid, Hardee, Clewiston and others to the Early Bird meet at Firemen's Field.

Full results were not available as of press time, but Sebring coach Rene Crenshaw said her team picked up first-place finishes in the 100m, where senior JC Howard ran a 10.9, the 3,200m, where Connor Bauer breezed to a 10:34.29 finish, and pole vault, where Rodney Havrey cleared 11-6 for the gold.

"Zykeria and JC are totally improved from last year," Crenshaw said. "She's just phenomenal and I'd like to get her started in the 200. JC has improved 100 percent from last year. He's stronger, faster and he did well for his first time out this season."

Avon Park coach Andy Bonjokian said he was happy with his team's commitment, and that like every other team, they're still figuring out where their strong events are.

"We're real pleased with the effort at the events and at practice," Bonjokian said, noting that although he didn't have complete results, David Edmonson and John Chittum stood out in field events and the entire pole vault crew impressed. "We're working hard every week to get better, and I think we're almost too eager. It was a good event to face some stiff competition."

Lake Placid coach Scott Morgan said his team was pleased with their showing at the meet against tough competition.

"The kids are really working hard," Morgan said, noting the Dragons host a home meet on March 17. "We're looking forward to the next meet."

The Streaks, Devils and Dragons are back in action on Thursday when Firemen's Field hosts the Sebring relays. See next Saturday's Highlands Today for complete coverage.