Off, Running: Hazelwood Central Track Teams Win State

Both Hazelwood Central High School track and field teams stood in the top spot at the recent state championships at Lincoln University.

For the fourth year in a row, the boys team won first place at state, while the girls took home the title for the first time since 1988, according to a school district press release. For the boys team, it’s the first time in state history that a Class 4 team has held the title for four consecutive years.

“The two teams represented our school in the best way by demonstrating the hard work and dedication it takes to compete at the highest level of high school sports,” Hazelwood Central Athletics Director John Pukala said in the release. “The boys team continued on the tradition of excellence by winning their fourth straight title. I am also excited the girls team has the chance to share in the spotlight with a state title of their own. This has been a great year for track at Hazelwood Central High School.”

The boys team finished in the top three for three of five events, including the 200-meter race, 800-meter relay and 1,600-meter relay. While the girls team finished first in three of three events, including the 800-meter relay, 200-meter race and the 100-meter race.

“It has been 25 long years since the last girls state title,” girls’ head coach Glen Norwood said in a press release. “I am very proud of the girls. They have demonstrated to everyone they have the talent and right chemistry to be able to go out on top. We already looking forward to next year.”