Patriots defeat AC, Bellmont

DECATUR - The 2009 season picked up right where the 2008 campaign left off.

Coming off of an undefeated dual-meet season, the Jay County High School girls track team opened their new year with a pair of wins. The Patriots posted 71 points Thursday night, finishing ahead of Adams Central (59) and host Bellmont (31).

Sophomore Jordan McMillan powered Jay County by winning two individual events and contributing to a relay win. She was first in the 200-meter dash by nearly 1.5 seconds in a time of 27.4 seconds, and also took the 100 dash in 13.3.

McMillan teamed with Kelsey Wood, Katie Butcher and Tashina Smith for a winning time of 54.7 seconds in the 4x100 relay.

Senior Kylie Wellman and freshman Katie Simmons turned in a pair of dominant efforts in the distance events. Wellman posted a 29-second victory in the 3,200 run in 13:16, and Simmons took the 1,600 run by 14 seconds as she crossed the finish line at 5:51.5.

Lindsey Current, the top returning JCHS athlete after finishing as the long jump runner-up at the 2008 sectional, cruised to victory in the event. She cleared the bar three inches higher than runner-up Wood for a winning height of 5 feet, 1 inch.

Cara Garringer led a Patriot sweep of the shot put with a toss of 32 feet, 2 inches. Maria Murphy and Amy Alig were second and third respectively.[[In-content Ad]]