LIHU’E — The whirlwind of a runner called Nahtice Nield managed to swoop up a state qualifying time in the 300 meter hurdles, yesterday at Vidinha Stadium. The Kapa’a runner crossed the finish line with a time of 52 seconds
LIHU’E — The whirlwind of a runner called Nahtice Nield managed to swoop up a state qualifying time in the 300 meter hurdles, yesterday at Vidinha Stadium.
The Kapa’a runner crossed the finish line with a time of 52 seconds and was closely followed by Waimea’s Cayla Kitabayashi, who just missed out on a state time.
Both Nield and Kitabayashi also battled on the soccer field during the KIF soccer season earlier this year.
Also picking up a state time was Waimea’s Rachel Martin, who eclipsed the top mark in the 3000 meters.
“She (Martin) was well under the state time,” Waimea coach Dave Walker said.
The newly rubberized Rekortan surface seems to be helping KIF athletes improve their times.
“It’s certainly nice to qualify two more girls. It was a good night, very calm, with no rain,” Waimea coach Dave Walker said.
The stadium felt empty with a host of other KIF athletes on O’ahu at both the Velasco Invitational at Radford High School and a Mililani meet.
At any rate, the meet went swiftly and according to Walker, the runners are certainly benefiting from the new track.
“(It was a) pretty quick meet. The kids are maturing. I think the track has a lot to do with it. It’s a pretty fast track. Kamehameha Schools track and Maui’s track are made out of that (Rekortan),” Walker said.
Waimea’s Kenny Estes improved his 200 meter time with a 22.65 at yesterday’s qualifying meet.
“It’s a different ball game with the new track. We don’t need to mark it. It’s just ready to go. People of Kaua’i should be really happy (with it),” Walker said.
Full results of the KIF’s second qualifying meet will be published in a future edition of The Garden Island.
