Troy Track And Field Teams Medal At State Meet

Photo 1: Jax Todd, on the Troy 7th Grade Boys’ Track and Field Team, was named State Champion at the IESA State Final Track and Field Meet after running 2:10 in the 800-meter dash.

Photo 2: Members of the Troy 7th Grade Girls’ Track and Field Team placed 5th in the 4x100-meter relay at the IESA State Final Track and Field Meet. From left: Tierra Abner, Rylee Boyd, Maziah Shelton, Morgan Pork and Gianna Vallera.

Photo 3: Troy 8th grade Boys’ 4x100 m relay took 2nd place at the IESA State Final Track and Field Meet. From left: Brandon Alzamora, Sam Drey, J.R. Pierscionek, Regis Appiah and Andre Copeland.

The Troy track teams of Troy Middle School and William B. Orenic Intermediate School did amazing work at May’s IESA State Final Track and Field Meet at the EastSide Centre in Peoria.

Jax Todd, on the Troy 7th Grade Boys’ Track Team, was named State Champion after running an impressive time of 2:10 in the 800-meter dash. He had an undefeated season.

“This track season was one of the most successful seasons we have had,” Boys’ Track Team Head Coach Clint Reames said. “It was exciting to watch our student athletes compete at such a high level and excel in the state meet. Having a state champion capped off the great weekend. Jax Todd’s achievement was truly special. He knew he was ranked number one going into the meet, but he understood that he had to run his best time. Watching him run at state was something I will remember for a very long time. It was an amazing season, and I would like to thank all of the athletes for their hard work and effort.”

Coach John Davis said was proud of Jax’s achievement and that one of the reasons he became a state champion was by following a solid training plan and outworking everyone else, often running after practice and on weekends.

Troy 8th Grade Boys’ Track Team

The 8th Grade Boys’ Track Team placed 2nd in state for the 4x100 relay. The team consisted of Brandon Alzamora, Regis Appiah, Andre Copeland, Sam Drey, and J.R. Pierscionek.

Sam Drey finished 5th in the 200-meter dash; Andre Copeland also medaled with a 7th place finish in the 100-meter dash finals; and J.R. Pierscionek placed 9th in the preliminary race.

Troy 7th Grade Boys’ Track Team

On the 7th Grade Boys’ Track Team, the 4x400-meter relay team of Alexander Cruz, Gavin Garcia, Daniel Mateo, Andres Munoz and Jax Todd finished the season with a 4th place finish. Alex Cruz, Gavin Garcia, Daniel Mateo, Colin Morgan and Aiden Rodriguez and finished in 9th place in the 4x100-meter relay.

The 7th Grade Boys’ Track Team placed 10th overall in the state.

Troy 7th Grade Girls’ Track Team

On the 7th Grade Girls’ Track Team, Maziah Shelton cleared 4’7” to medal with an 8th place finish in the high jump. Janell Oceguera placed 10th in the 7th Grade Girls’ 800-meter.

The 7th Grade Girls’ Team placed 5th in the 4x100-meter relay. The team consisted of Rylee Boyd, Morgan Pork, Maziah Shelton, Tierra Abner and Gianna Vallera.

The 4x400-meter relay team of Rylee Boyd, Sydney Lukancic, Janell Oceguera, Morgan Pork and Chloe Wong finished 10th in the state.

“This was one of the most exciting seasons to be a part of,” said Girls’ Track Team Head Coach Colleen Jaeger. “The girls worked hard in every single meet and were always willing to adapt to the environment of the meet. At the sectional meet, they took first place overall out of 16 teams. The 8th grade girls competed hard all year, as well. I am extremely proud of each and every athlete who came out and competed for the team this season.”

Troy School District 30-C Athletic Director Meagan DeGroot said all the rain during the season, including at the state meet, didn’t hold back the Troy Trojans.

“For the athletes on the Troy Track Team,” she said, “there is no offseason. These kids work hard all year round and participate in other sports, which helps them succeed. They have excelled academically and athletically, and I could not be more proud.”

The Troy Track Team’s Boys’ Head Coach is Clint Reames, and the Girls’ Head Coaches are Alex Reames and Colleen Jaeger. Assistant Track Coaches are Grant Barker, John Davis, Scott Kaciuba, Stephanie Oswald and Matt Stortz.

Troy Middle School is a Troy Community School District 30-C school.