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Switzer 12th, Hackleman 16th at IHSAA Boys’ Track and Field State Finals
BLOOMINGTON — South Putnam’s Wyatt Switzer finished 12th in the 300-meter hurdles and North Putnam’s Nolan Hackleman finished 16th in the long jump at Friday’s IHSAA Boys’ Track and Field State Finals at Indiana University’s Robert C. Hough Track and Field Complex.
Switzer was fourth overall in the second heat with a time of 39.83 seconds. The event was won by Center Grove’s Parker Doyle in a time of 37.78.
“I’m sure Wyatt was hoping for a faster time and a medalist finish, but there are a lot of positives to take away from this experience,” South Putnam head coach Heath Pruitt said. “He was one of only four sophomores in the field, and he was close to his school-record time from the regional meet.
“He moved up four places from his seed place. I’m hopeful that he will take this result, learn from the process and come back next year ready to see just how much better he can be.”
Hackleman finished with a leap of 21-01.50 on his first attempt, fouling his other two attempts. The event was won by Angola’s Alex Meyer, who leapt 24-02 on his final attempt to beat out Merrillville’s Justin Marshal, who had led most of the event.
“I think being in that big of an environment, and being out of his routine by not having to race, might have thrown off (Nolan’s) steps more than usual,” North Putnam head coach Kevin Lutes said. “He did his best to make adjustments, but it just didn’t work out that day.
“I know he was disappointed, but I tried to remind him of all the successes he’s had this year and that he can learn from what happened and go forward from there. He’s one of the most receptive athletes I’ve had the privilege of coaching and I know he’ll worker even harder to return next year.”
Brownsburg won the team title with 55 points, beating out runner-up Carmel (50) and Plainfield (48).