Bartlett wins Valley 800 relay

Bartlett’s 800-meter relay came together on the fly. And then the Hawks flew.

Due to an injury and a rain delay Thursday at the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division boys track meet at Lake Park, Bartlett’s retooled foursome of Nasi Almasri, Zach Harris, Charles Mosley and Jordan Barile claimed the 800 relay title in a time of 1 minute, 32.59 seconds.

“This relay was actually just put together about five minutes before the race,” Barile said. “We put Nasi Almasri in about 15 minutes before the start. Nick Simich was supposed to run the leadoff but he got hurt. He’s a big part of the team so hopefully he gets back quick.”

Bartlett, which finished fifth in a meet Lake Park won, also saw Brian Polubinski break 54 feet in shot put for the first time this outdoor season. Mark Pszczolkowski went 146-10 to take fifth in discus, and in the 1,600 Connor Rachford ran the first sub-4:40 time in Bartlett coach Eric Kramer’s tenure.

“And this is my fifth year, so that’s real exciting,” Kramer said.

Femi Oyewole, who will high jump at North Central College, moved his mark back to gain speed. It worked, his height of 6 feet 3 inches placing second.

“If I increase my speed I should do fine,” said the returning state qualifier.

Sixth-place South Elgin had Zach Gross finish fifth in the 100-meter dash and second in the 200. The Storm scored in all four relays, the 1,600 quartet of Francisco Gonzalez, Rich Vient, Sean Duncan and Matt Swanson claiming fourth place.

“If it’s one thing that we’re learning this year, it’s about team, and these guys are really working together well and we’re putting some things together,” said second-year Storm coach Anthony LaRue.