18 and Counting: Raceland High School Boys Track Team Adds to Region Title Count
Jarrod E. Stephens
The Ashland Beacon
As it is with any sport, Raceland’s track season began with specific goals in mind. Seeing seniors excel and bringing up younger runners to capture a Region 7 title were goals that were all checked off Raceland track coach Randy Helton’s list. However, the evening of the event didn’t look too promising as spring rains pelted the track and severe weather warnings were issued.
After the rain subsided, the gun began each race as eighteen teams vied for the Region 7 Title. While the weather conditions were not ideal, many of the final results were exceptional for the Raceland team. With emotions running high and competition at its peak, you never know who is going to step up and surprise themselves and even the coaches. Some athletes and teams earned individual praise from Helton.
“Senior Drew Conley finishing 5th in the 110 High Hurdles (projected 6th), & Sean Short finishing 5th in the 800 Meter Dash (Unranked going into the meet) really surprised me. Our 4 x 800 Relay shaved off 15 seconds and set a new P.R. time of 9:26. Their previous best time was 9:41. Also, Xander Jenkins set a new P.R. in the pole vault, clearing 11'0. Sean Short set a new P.R. in the 800 Meter Dash with a time of 2:18. His previous best time was 2:33.”
The following members of Raceland’s track team qualified individually for the State Class A meet which will be held on June 1st, 2023 at the University of Kentucky’s track and field complex. Jules Farrow - Long Jump (1st Place), Mason Lykins - High Jump (2nd Place), Xander Jenkins - Pole Vault (1st Place), Cole Conlon - 110 High Hurdles (2nd Place), 4 x 200 Relay - 2nd Place (Mason Lykins, Brody Austin, Cam Bell & Ty Tyson), 4 x 100 Relay - 1st Place (Christian Waugh, Cam Bell, Brody Austin & Ty Tyson), Christian Waugh - 400 Meter Dash (2nd Place), Max Burton - 300 Meter Low Hurdles (2nd Place), Ty Tyson - 200 Meter Dash (2nd Place), & Evan Burroughs - Discus (1st Place), Riley Lewis & Cam Bryan (Unified 2 x 50 Relay) - 2nd Place.
The team may have other At-Large qualifiers for the state meet, but won't know until the other regional meets are finished.
Coach Helton’s teams have had a lot of success throughout the years. When asked about his years as head coach, he is never at a loss for words. “This is my 15th year as the Boys Head Track Coach. 14 full seasons if you subtract the Covid-19 Season, which was cancelled. We now have won 18 Regional Championships in school history. This is the eighth regional title since I have been the head coach.”
Coaches John Wilburn, Travis Bell, Travis Burton, Malcolm Byrd and Nate Webb also stayed busy keeping the runner loose and making sure that each one checked in to each event.
After the Region 7 trophy was firmly secured in Helton’s hands, he knew this title was special. “They're all special, but this one is special because it's our first title since 2018. Normally, we've been fortunate enough not to go more than three years without winning a title.”
The season isn’t over yet, and Coach Helton has a few more items to check off his list. “As always, our ultimate goal is to win a state championship (as a team & in individual events). We also want the kids to enjoy & experience the magnitude State Meet so they will want to work hard to make it back in 2024.”
The Rams will compete on June 1st for their first State Class A title since 2003.
