State aspirations high for Sikeston after SEMO North success

Sikeston’s Chris Artis competes during the SEMO Conference championship meet on Saturday, April 27, at Cape Central High School.

Tony Capobianco ~ Southeast Missourian

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Sikeston’s track and field athletes turned in a strong showing at the SEMO Conference-North Meet on Saturday, securing numerous top-three finishes.

The Bulldog and Lady Bulldog athletes made their presence felt on the leaderboard with multiple podium finishes and promising state qualification prospects.

The boys’ squad, which placed fourth with 42 points, was particularly strong in relays. The 800-meter relay team of Detravion Gorman, Christopher Artis, Isaiah Jimerson Patterson, and Dontrez Williams secured a third-place finish with a time of one minute and 31.21 seconds.

The 400 relay team, comprised of the same athletes, powered their way to a silver medal with a time of 43.48.

“Both relays have a chance to make it to state,” said Sikeston coach Josh Freeman. “The 400 team is ranked ninth in the state and the 800 team is in the top 16.”

Individual athletes also shone. Bo Riddle continued his dominance in the javelin, claiming the top spot with a throw of 44.03 meters. Darryl King, a newcomer to the discus throw, earned second place with a throw of 39.48.

Artis displayed his versatility with a second-place finish in the long jump (6.47), while Dontrez Williams secured third in the high jump (1.85).

“[Artis] and [Williams] are both ranked top-eight in the state and [Riddle] is in the top four in his district — they all have great shots at state qualification,” Freeman added.

The Sikeston girls were also impresssive. Brionna Williams took home second place in the high jump with a leap of 1.55, and Katherine Ressel secured third in the javelin with a throw of 29.68, having broken the school record in the event earlier this season. Freeman expressed optimism about their state chances as well.

“We are focusing on districts, sectionals, and state,” he concluded.

Poplar Bluff won the boys’ division with 141 points, followed by Jackson (111), Cape Central (73), Sikeston (42), and Notre Dame (25). On the girls’ side, Jackson (116) edged out Notre Dame (110) for the top spot, with Poplar Bluff (85), Cape Central (66), and Sikeston (16) rounding out the standings.

SIKESTON TEAMS TAKE SILVER AT JUNIOR VARSITY MEETS

Sikeston pushed for the top spot at the SEMO Conference Junior Varsity Meet on Tuesday, April 30 at Poplar Bluff High School, but ultimately secured hard-fought second-place team finishes in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.

The Poplar Bluff boys reigned supreme with 182 points, followed by Sikeston's impressive 158-point showing.

The Bulldogs powered to victory in multiple events, claiming gold in the 800-meter and 1,600 relays, the discus, and the 400.

Sikeston athletes also demonstrated depth, earning silver medals in the 3,200 relay, 200, 800, and javelin.

They continued their medal streak with bronze finishes in the shot put, 1,600, 400 relay, triple jump, and 3,200. The Bulldogs also secured second and third place in the high jump.

Jackson took home the girls' title with 172 points, but Sikeston followed closely in second place with a strong 99-point performance.

The Lady Bulldogs blazed to victory in the 1,600 relay, javelin, pole vault, and triple jump.

Sikeston also showcased its versatility with a collection of silver medals in the discus, 800 relay, shot put, 400 relay, and 800. They further demonstrated their speed by securing both second and third place in the 400.