Barry, Neisen each win two sectional titles, lead area athletes to state track meet

RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Unity’s Saylor Barry won two events and finished second in another, Liberty’s Arianna Neisen dominated the distance events and a bevy of area athletes punched their ticket to the state track and field championships during Wednesday’s Class 1A Rushville Sectional.

The state championships take place May 18-20 at O’Brien Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus in Charleston.

Barry won the 100-meter dash in 12.80 seconds and the 200 dash in 26.33. She also finished second in the long jump with a leap of 5.07 meters.

Neisen won the 1,600 run in 5:26.41, almost 15 seconds ahead of the field. In the 3,200 run, she posted a winning time of 11:30.42, which was 43 seconds ahead of the rest of the field.

Central is sending three individuals and one relay team to the state meet. Faith Alford won the triple jump at 10.17 meters, while Agnes Genenbacher won the 110 hurdles in 17.22 seconds. Ellie Foote tied for second in the high jump, clearing 1.48 meters.

The Panthers’ 4×100 relay team took first in 51.48 seconds. That team is comprised of Macie Lierly, Alford, Foote and Genenbacher.

Pittsfield’s Ellie Ten Eyck won the 300 hurdles in 49.36, while the Saukees’ Avery Wyatt was second in the 400 in 1:03.53. Pittsfield’s 4×400 relay team of Tori Waters, Michaelle Dejaynes, Ten Eyck and Wyatt finished second in 4:21.75.

Unity’s Kyra Carothers finished second in the high jump, clearing 1.48 meters.