Senior runner Owen Murdock is this week’s Pirate Competitor of the Week sponsored by Galena Culver’s and the Galena Gazette.  At Thursday’s NUIC meet, Owen won the conference title in the 800 meter run and ran a leg on the 1st place 4×800 meter relay.  He also ran on the 3rd place 4×400 meter relay.  According to coach David Eaton, “Owen’s efforts helped to seal the victory for the boys’ team to bring home the first boys’ Track & Field Conference Championship since 2007.”  Owen was honored with a gift basket from the Galena Culver’s, as well as a newspaper courtesy of the Galena Gazette.

Also Nominated:
Junior softball player Taylor Hilby had 12 hits, including two home runs and a triple in four games last week.  While batting leadoff, Taylor was on base 14 times and scored 8 runs.  Coach Dusty Berngin said “Taylor has been our most consistent hitter all season.  She is hitting for more power lately and has been consistently on base.  Taylor was 2nd team last season as a sophomore and has been one of the top hitters in our conference this season. ”

Senior Hannah Lacey placed second in the 100 meter high hurdles at the IHSA 2A Track & Field Sectional in Geneseo to qualify for the State Track Meet at EIU in Charleston.  She also placed 4th in the 300 meter low hurdles and finished in a 5th place tie in the high jump.  Coach David Eaton praised the effort, saying “Hannah overcame difficult conditions with extreme heat to accomplish her goal of becoming a State Qualifier.”

7th grader Nevaeh Hauber ran an awesome time of 6 minutes 8 seconds to win the 1600m at the Stephenson County Meet.  According to coach Samantha Lange, “Nevaeh has been working hard through the track season and is a great leader for her teammates.  She is always willing to try a new event and gives nothing less than her best.  Her hard work has helped her to achieve her personal best this week and she now holds the record for the second-fastest 1600 meter time at GMS.”

7th grader Ginger Cox won the 200m with a time of 31.01 seconds at the Stephenson County Meet in Lena.  Coach Samantha Lange said, “Ginger has had a great season so far.  She is working hard at practice and increasing her times each week.”

7th grader Colten McCartney won the High Jump with a height of 4ft 9inches at the Stephenson County Meet.  Coach Kyle Knight offered, “Colten is an extremely explosive jumper and with practice and technique will no doubt make huge gains in the future.”