The Marco Island Charter Middle School went up against the big guns in a Collier County Middle School meet and did well.

The girls had a fantastic day, nearly winning the meet. East Naples came out on top, with 99 points, while our girls has 83. Following up were Park Ridge and Manatee.

Lauren Hanscom and Christy Thorstenson raced 1-2 in the 400 meter run. Thorstenson came in third in the 800 and anchored the winning 4x400 relay team with Hanscom, Amanda Marinaro and Ashley Schneller.

Jenny Carter doubled up, winning the 3200 and the 1600. Morgan Dulski ran the 800, 1600 and 3200, which is a very difficult triple, scoring points in each event. The 4x100 team came in second, with Hanscom, Schneller, Lexie Lundquist, and Taylor Fetzer setting a season’s best. Fetzer also finished second in the 100 meters. Cassidy Penzo finished second in the shot.

The girls are performing at a very high level and should continue to improve.

The boys ran into some very tough competition, with lack of competitors again a problem for scoring points. The Eagles boys can not fill every event and they also have some members running in events that they normally would not enter.

Jared Jackson heaved the discus for what may be a school record 97 feet-two inches, placing third. Stefan Langebeeke finished third in the shot put and Jackson sixth. Tanner Fulcher ran an excellent 3200, finishing fourth.

Several of the boys are getting very close to scoring in the big meets, including David Marlett in the discus and 100 meters. Sean Hurley and Jordan Barrett are running and jumping very well and should improve as we head toward the Sunshine Conference meet on April 9.

Both teams travel to Golden Gate High School on Saturday for a quad meet with Corkscrew, Cypress Palm, and Golden Gate Middle Schools. Field events begin at 9 a.m. The Eagles then take a two-week break during spring recess.