Mercer runs away with a 2nd state title

Arpan Dixit
Herald Staff
sports@harrodsburgherald.com

It has been an incredible year for Mercer County athletics, and it just keeps getting better. The boys’ track and field team took home the Class 2A state championship for the second straight season on Friday, May 19, at the University of Kentucky.

The girls’ team had a goal in the preseason of being a top five team in the state. After a few scoring mistakes that were corrected, the Lady Titans placed fifth overall and made head coach Terry Yeast a very happy coach.

The fan support for Mercer County was the talk of the day around the track. When Titans fans are in the house, their presence is sure to be known. “I love trying to create that atmosphere and encourage everyone’s families to come out and support their kids,” Yeast added. “I think it really helped push the kids over the top throughout the day.”

Here is a recap of the days’ events from the Titans and Lady Titans.

TITANS

Junior Aaron Johnson dominated the headlines throughout the day winning three individual state championships.

Johnson won the state championship in the 110 meter hurdles with a 14.76 time, won the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 39.36 and placed first in the high jump with a 6-07.00 jump, five inches ahead of the second place finisher. Johnson also placed third in the long jump with a 21-00.00 jump.

Johnson’s teammate, freshman Lukas Jones, finished second right behind him in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 15.27. Senior Dustin Baker placed second behind Johnson with a time of 39.69 in the 300 meter hurdles.

Junior Mishi Eastlering had a great day for the Titans, winning the state championship in the long jump with a 22-01.50 jump. Easterling, Baker, seniors Camden Martin and Chase Edwards won the state title in the 4×200 meter relay finishing with a time of 1:30.16. Eastlering, Baker, Edwards along with sophomore Marcus Lewis won the state championship in the 4×400 meter relay with a time of 3:26.68.

Edwards, Lewis, junior Ty Divine and senior Garrett Dean won the state title in the 4×800 meter relay, finishing with a time of 8:11.89.

LADY TITANS

It was a great day to be a Lady Titan, finishing fifth overall, and capturing the state title in a couple individual events. Freshman Zoe Yeast took home the state title in the shot put and discus events. She finished with a 122-08 throw in the discus and a 36-04.00 throw in the shot put. Her sister, junior Zharia Yeast, placed fifth in the shot put with a 33-10.75 throw.

Freshman Haley Blevins, juniors Faith and Lexy Lake along with senior Hailey Stinnett placed second overall in the 4×800 meter relay, finishing with a time of 9:50.89.

For full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Harrodsburg Herald.