Hendrix, Taylor set new marks for track and field teams

In a span of three days, the Southwest High School boys and girls javelin records were broken.

On April 6 at the Bordertown Relays in Seneca, Junior Lane Hendrix made a throw of 36.69 meters breaking the 2024 mark of 35.80.

“Lane had his eyes on this mark from the start of the season,” said Steve Voyak, Southwest track coach. “He has diligently worked on his footwork and technique. I was worried when he scratched the previous throw because I thought it was the record but an official said he stepped over the line. 

“And then, his next throw was even better and he got the record. This is a well-deserved honor.”

Three days later at the Mountaineer Relays in Mount Vernon, Sophomore Ashlyn Taylor made a throw of 25 meters. She broke the 2024 mark of 23.80 meters set by Juliauna Sierra.

“This is amazing,” Voyak said. “Ashlyn had the strength to make this throw but she has been a little inconsistent. She was also working through some injuries. I thought she might have a chance by the conference meet in May but not this early. 

“Her throws at Mount Vernon were impressive. She actually broke the record twice on her third and fourth throw.”

Southwest competed at the Cassville Wildcat Relays on Tuesday. The next meet is set for May 1 at Republic.