To conclude the first week of the outdoor season, the boys and girls track and field teams hosted the annual Hollingsworth Relays at Trojan Field March 28. 12 teams from across eastern Iowa travelled to the meet, including several former Drake Relays and state-championship competitors. After six hours of competition, the boys team amassed 46 points to win the meet, while the girls team placed fourth with 23 points.
This meet allowed for many people to run multiple events. Savannah Graham ’28 had an amazing day placing in all four of her events. She placed fourth in the 100 meter hurdles and placed in three relays.
West also had a very good long jump day with three west students placing in the event. Amara Maclagan ’28 championed the long jump, the only runner to place first in the meet.
Despite challenging conditions, the girls team delivered across nearly every event, including placing in the 4x200m and distance medley relays, along with standout marks in the 1500m race, long jump and high jump. Sophia Austen ’27 played a key role in the team’s success, leading her 4x400m relay to a third-place finish, while also tying for second place in the high jump with her teammate Evy Cornish ’27. Despite the weather affecting performances, Austen believes that competing at Trojan Field will kickstart the season.
“The wind and coolness were definitely a struggle at first, but overall, we pushed through and had a good meet,” Austen said. “I think opening at home, it just creates such a good environment and momentum moving through the season while having a good time with it.”
The boys team showcased its depth across every event, earning podium performances in field events, relays and open events to secure the team title. Athletes Colin Whitters ’26 and Neil James ’27 led the way, taking first place in their respective open events.
Following his performance, James was awarded the annual Hollingsworth Award, given to an athlete who demonstrates hard work and team support. For James, the meet served as more than a win, but a strong indicator for the rest of the season.
“This is a big starting meet, and it sets the tone of how this season will be for us,” James said. “We have so much depth, [other teams] aren’t ready for it at all.”
A similar mindset is reflected across the teams. Although only a week into outdoor season, the Trojans are already looking towards the later stages of the season and the growth it will take to get there.
The boys also had people PR on their events including Ahmed Elbeshi ’28. Elbeshi ran the 3200 meter race and placed 3rd even though he was ceded 4th. Throughout the first half of the race Elbesti was able to pace himself with the first and second runners giving him that early push.
“I want to keep going up and getting better each time,” Austen said. “Even knowing I can’t win every time, I’m setting that goal for myself.”
Looking forward, James is set on one goal: “To dominate, compete and do our best we can to win the Drake Relays and state championship.”
With momentum already building from a strong home opener, the boys team will turn to compete in the Ryan Deac Relays March 31, while the girls team will compete in the Cedar Rapids Girls Invitational April 4.
Final team results — boys
#1 – Iowa City West – 46
#2 – Solon – 24
#3 – Iowa City Liberty – 21
#4 – Bettendorf – 18
#5 – Muscatine – 16
#6 – English Valleys – 16
#7 – Bondurant Farrar – 6
#8 – Dubuque Hempstead – 0
Final team results — girls
#1 – Cedar Rapids Prairie – 54
#2 – Linn-Mar – 25
#3 – Mount Vernon – 24
#4 – Iowa City West – 23
#5 – Bettendorf – 18
#6 – Bondurant-Farrar – 10
#T7 – Pleasant Valley – 0
#T7 – Muscatine – 0
Full results of the meet can be found here.
