Brothers both win, propel Olathe North to third place

Entering the Kansas Class 6A track and field state meet last weekend in Wichita, neither Olathe North sophomore Adonis Saunders nor his brother, senior Robert Saunders, had won an individual state title.

All that changed on Saturday, however, when Adonis won the 100 in 10.91 and the 200 in 22.16, and Robert won the 300 hurdles in 38.46.

Together, they helped Olathe North rack up 49 points and finish third in the boys team competition. The brothers also participated on the Eagles’ 400 relay team, which won in 42.53.

The victory meant a lot to Robert, who ends his high school career on a high note. Robert had qualified for state every year but had won a medal in an individual event only once before this season.

But although it was his last chance to win an individual state title, Robert said he remained calm entering the final of the 300 hurdles.

“I was seeded first, so I figured all I had to do was relax and get things done,” he said. “It’s nice to finally come up here and show what I can do.”

However, it’s Adonis who has bragging rights. Although he’s only a sophomore, Adonis has more first-place finishes (two) than Robert.

“Me and him, we’ll be talking about that,” Adonis said with a laugh.

Champ in two classesOlathe South received terrific performances from seniors Michael Hollembeak and Reggie Harris.

Hollembeak won the 6A boys high jump by clearing 6 feet, 10 inches and became only the second high jumper since 1982 to win titles in two different classes. Last year, he won the 4A high jump as a member of the St. James Academy team.

Harris won the 6A boys long jump with 22-5½. The victory gave Harris his first individual state title

Olathe South coach Tim Quinn was happy for both of them.

“It was a tremendous job by them,” Quinn said.

submitted by TEREZ A. PAYLOR - 2009-06-02 19:40:02

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