By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
HAMILTON—It was a promising start to the outdoor season for the Allegan track and field teams at the Hamilton Early Season Invitational on Monday, March 30.
The Allegan girls placed fourth overall with 64 points, while the boys finished sixth with 34 points in the early-season meet.
The girls were highlighted by a record-breaking performance from Bailee Dilley, who set a new school record in the pole vault with a clearance of 11-1. The mark was also a personal best and earned her meet champion honors.
Dilley added to her strong showing by recording three additional personal records in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump, finishing in the top four in all three events.
Jayden VandenAkker also had a standout night, capturing first-place finishes in the 100-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and high jump. Her high jump mark of 5-0 was also a new personal best.
Anna Billman turned in a strong effort in the 1,600-meter run, setting a personal record with a time of 6:51.93 in just her second race of the season.
The meet also marked the varsity debut for Ireland Dewey.
On the boys side, Allegan capped the night with a first-place finish in the 1,600-meter relay, as the team of Kellan Chalupa, Loghan Murphy, Brody McDade and Levi Earl closed out the meet with a win.
McDade added a third-place finish in the 100 and placed eighth in the 200, while Ezra Smith cleared 10-6 in the pole vault to take third.
Murphy placed fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:13.19, and Chalupa finished sixth in the 1,600 while setting a personal record of 4:43.34.
Several other Tigers recorded personal bests, including Thomas Sigler in the 3,200, Earl in the 200, John DeLaet in both the pole vault and 200 and Hauk Henrickson in the discus.
Allegan will return to action April 15 following spring break.
