Tag Archives: MHSAA Track and Field

East Kentwood boys track and field team ranked No. 1 in the state

City of Kentwood, Local Sports, Sports, West Michigan, , ,
East Kentwood pole vaulter Reece Emeott. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)





By Ty Marzean

WKTV Contributor



Coming off a ninth-place finish in the Division 1 state finals, the East Kentwood boys track and field team will lean on some youngsters to top last year.


According to the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association, they are the team to beat this year ranked atop Division 1 in the state.

“We are working hard to maintain a standard of excellence,” said Track and Field Coach and Co-Athletic Director David Emeott. “We are very young, but I am confident over time we will get there.”

Pole vaulting a family affair

Pole vaulter sophomore Reece Emeott is playing a pivotal role in the youth movement in the Falcons Track and Field team. Reece is the son of Coach Emeott, and pole vaulting is a family affair in their household.

“I pole vaulted; his older brother and sister pole vault in college; he has been pole vaulting since birth,” Coach Emeott said.
 

Reece, ranked No. 1 in the state, cleared 13 feet at the finals last year as a freshman and has already cleared 14-6 this season.

“We are looking for big things from him,” Coach Emeott said. “We are hoping he will place very high in the state meet.”

Emeott also is maintaining a high level of excellence in the classroom.

“Reece is a 4.13 GPA student. He takes many AP classes, and his mom thinks he is very smart. Nice kid, needs to clean his room,” Emeott said proudly.


East Kentwood’s Malachi Mosely. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)



Malachi Mosely was the only underclassman on the 4×100 relay team that finished in the top 12 at the state event.

“Malachi has had to overcome some nagging injuries, but we think he is ready to go,” Emeott said. “He opened up with a 48.56 indoor 400, and this could be a big season for him.”



East Kentwood’s Evan Nikoles. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)



Junior Evan Nikoles has paced the competition in the 1600-meter race while shaving off 20 seconds from his best time during the 2023 season. 

“Evan has done an amazing job in the distance events. He has been able to lead in most of his races and do whatever the team needs,” Emeott said.

Sophomore Jhavon Alexander has made his mark in the long jump for East Kentwood. Alexander placed first at the Aquinas HS Indoor Challenge, clearing 21-2. Alexander holds a personal record of 22-3, set on April 17 against West Ottawa.



East Kentwood long jumper and sprinter Jhavon Alexander. (Courtesy, Nuha Hussein)



“Jhavon has led us in the long jump and, as a sophomore, has been very competitive in the sprints. He is still young, but has a mature attitude and a huge heart,” Emeott said.