Reynard favored in 300 hurdles (05/21/08)

INDIANAPOLIS - A year ago, Brandon Reynard was a hurdles novice. And he still finished sixth in the regional.

Thursday he will be the favorite.

Reynard, a Jay County High School junior, enters the North Central regional as the top seed in the 300-meter hurdles.

The top three athletes, as well as those meeting the state standard, will qualify for the IHSAA Boys Track and Field State Finals.

Reynard easily won the sectional title in the 300 hurdles at the Muncie Central sectional, running away from the field to finish in 39.38 seconds. That time was more than a half-second faster than anyone he will compete against Thursday evening in Indianapolis.

Dexter Shreve also has an excellent chance at a state berth as he enters in a three-way tie for the No. 3 seed in the high jump. He, Lawrence Cotton of Highland and Daniel Hurrle of Chatard all cleared the bar at 6 feet, 0 inches in their respective sectionals.

The No. 1 seed is Lawrence Central's Geoff Davis (6 feet, 8 inches), and Amir Blacksher (6 feet, 4 inches) of Perry Meridian is No. 2.

He also has a solid chance to qualify for the state finals in the 400 dash, where he is seeded fourth at 51.39. Josh Lee of Pike is the No. 1 seed at 50.83. Shreve owns the JCHS school record at 49.8.

The junior is also the No. 11 seed in the long jump after winning the sectional title at 20 feet, 5½ inches.

Reynard will compete in a second event as well. He will be the No. 15 seed in the 100 hurdles.

Lance Franklin is seeded 15th in the discus, and Patrick Williams is 16th in the 100 dash. The JCHS 4x100 relay team is the No. 13 seed, and the 4x400 relay team is No. 15.

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