SPENCER — The North Rowan boys track team is used to this position.
North will go for its third consecutive state 1A championship today at Irwin Belk Track at N.C. A&T
The Cavaliers won the Yadkin Valley Conference meet and tied Monroe for first at the Midwest regional last week. Monroe could be North’s biggest challenger again today.
“We have a chance,” said North coach Todd Allen carefully. “But we truly have to be at our best. We have to win some events in order for that to happen.”
NCRunners projects the Cavaliers to finish first today with 243 points, ahead of Monroe with 233. North knotted with Monroe with 90.5 points at the regional. Allen says Heide Trask and Mitchell will be formidable foes too.
North won nine state 2A titles from 1994 to 2007 and has won 1A crowns the last two years. Allen is in his first year at North after 12 years as an assistant at Salisbury.
“We want to share a like mindset and get them to compete at their best,” Allen said.
Senior Hunter Walker was the sprint event MVP of the County Meet and won the 110 and 300-meter hurdles at the regional. NCRunners picks Walker to win the 110 today and take runner up at the 300.
“Hunter’s been exceptional for the team and he’s a special young man,” Allen said.
The Cavs wont the 4×100 relay at the regional in 44.14 seconds. The relay team is composed of Xavier Robinson, Daylon Gray, Courtney Roseborough and Eric Gadson.
Gadson is looking for a high finish in the 200 dash. At the regional, Gadson was runner up in the 200.
Monroe’s top point-getter could be Braxton Knotts who will likely earn points in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and long jump.
Alexis Archie could bring a high finish in the shot put after winning the regional and Dquan Miller will try to place in the discus.
Field events begin at 10 a.m. with running events starting at 11.