ST. LOUIS – Sikeston became familiar with the state meet last year, but this year the Bulldogs want to own the relays.
Sikeston won the three sprint relays at the Class 3 Sectional 1 meet Saturday at MICDS, and it takes some of the fastest qualifying times to next week’s state meet at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.
The Bulldogs won the 400-meter relay in 43.13, which is the second fastest Class 3 time posted this year. Their win in the 800 relay at 1:29.29 is the fastest Class 3 time to date, and the Bulldogs have the third fastest 1,600 relay time after winning sectionals with a 3:24.22.
“I think we’re going to go all the way,” senior Nick Nichols said. “We love each other, and that’s what pushes us to go farther and run faster is just that chemistry. I have faith on my team.”
Nichols runs anchor on the 400 and 800 relays, but he leads off the 1,600 relay. He said he has also felt the extra weight that comes with being one of the three seniors on the relays this year.
“It comes with new responsibilities because you’ve got the team on your back,” Nichols said. “Coaches look at you and you have to show them what you’re about because over the years we all grew and matured.”
Sikeston won the 800 relay in 1:28.95 and took second in the 400 relay in 43.35 at last year’s Class 3 state meet.
In Class 4, Christian Brothers was dominating in the relays. CBC scored the fastest time in the state this season with its 41.98 in the 400 relay, and moved up the state rankings to fifth with its sectional win in the 1,600 relay at 3:20.63. Kirkwood ended their bid for a relay sweep with a victory in the 800 relay (1:28.25).