Against elite statewide competition, the Little Cyclones had second, third and fourth place finishes at competitions at this weekend’s Drake Relays.
Angelica Attinger led the Little Cyclones with a second-place finish in the girls’ 400-meter hurdles. TJ Douglas placed third in the boys’ 400-meter hurdles. Ayak Akol and Brandon Johnson each placed fourth in their respective events, with Akol competing in the high jump and Johnson in the discus.
Ames athletes participated in 13 events across preliminaries, heats and finals, ranging from the high jump to the elite mile. Competitors included Sophia Hatcher (long jump), Emma Stanley (3,000 meters and elite mile), and Angelica Attinger and Brenna Van Cleave (400-meter hurdles), among others.
The Drake Relays — often referred to as “The Blue Oval” — is considered one of the most prestigious track and field meets in Iowa. Winners in each event receive a white flag designating them as Drake Relays champions.
Ames track coach Erica Douglas said the meet provides valuable midseason experience as athletes prepare for the state meet in the coming weeks.
“It’s in the middle of the season, so we make sure we are executing at our peak,” Douglas said. “The Drake Relays give us a chance to compete at a high level under pressure while giving younger athletes an opportunity to prepare for state in a couple of weeks.”
Douglas emphasized a shift in training focus as the season progresses.
“We really focus more on quality in practice rather than quantity to prepare them for state track events,” she said.
Douglas also praised individual performances, including Akol’s fourth-place showing in the high jump.
“I think they’ve done a great job. Ayak did great in the high jump. For her to clear 5 feet, 5 inches, that was great for her,” Douglas said.
Johnson, competing in discus, also impressed in his debut — a throw of 173 feet, 4 inches to place fourth.
“For BJ to go out there and have never done discus and have a great first throw, that’s the momentum that we carry,” Douglas said.
The experience is especially valuable for younger athletes gaining exposure to high-level competition.
“Our younger kids are taking notes that this will become their team,” Douglas said. “Nakama has a strong leg as a freshman.”
Ames will continue its season with upcoming meets as athletes aim to qualify for the state track and field championships, scheduled for May 21-23.
Ames High athletes at the Drake Relays
Girls’ events
- Girls’ 3,000 meters: Emma Stanley placed 17th
- Girls’ 400-meter hurdles: Angelica Attinger placed 2nd, Breanna Van Cleave placed 14th
- Girls’ 4×100-meter shuttle hurdles relay: Angelica Attinger, Sophia Hatcher, Elia Varghese and Shelby Esslinger placed 8th
- Girls’ 4×800-meter relay: Leah Kincaid, Breanna Van Cleave, Naya Nakama and Emma Stanley placed 7th
- Girls’ 1 mile: Emma Stanley placed 9th
- Girls’ high jump: Ayak Akol placed fourth, Elodie Biggs placed 22nd
- Girls’ long jump: Sophia Hatcher placed 6th
Boys’ events
- Boys’ 400-meter hurdles: TJ Douglas placed 3rd
- Boys’ 4×100-meter relay: Luke Simmons, Kayden Willoughby-Wright, Elijah Deardorff and Drew Vander Wilt placed 41st
- Boys’ discus: Brandon Johnson placed 4th
