Top Performance of the Meet #1: Christian Van Cleave Dominates the 800
One of the best races of the day came in the first ten minutes of the meet.
Of all the races at a track meet, none seem to have more of the look and feel of a destruction derby than the 800 meter. The first lap featured multiple lead changes from a lead pack of Cole Sprout from Faith Christian, Sam Hitchens from Thompson Valley, Christian Van Cleave from Jefferson Academy, and Ryan Jones from Green Mountain.
It was, however, Van Cleave who broke the race open, splitting the first lap in 58.5, but in fourth place. Just into the second lap Van Cleave surged to the front and created a ten-yard gap. Only Sprout answered the move, but maybe just a tad late.
During the fall cross country campaign, Sprout had Van Cleave's number, but this time the senior and returning 3A state medalist held on for the win in a commanding 2:00.15. Sprout was second at 2:01.20. Hitchens was a close third at 2:01.93.