Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

A pair of Longhorn relay teams turned in head-turning performances at the prestigious 66th annual Chandler Rotary Invitational.

During the meet held March 24 and 25 on the Chandler High School campus, both the 4x800 and the 4x100 Longhorn foursomes posted clockings that were among the best recorded in the 3A conference this season.

In the "open" competition, held the first day of the meet, the 4x100 team of Todd Kreimeyer, Brandon Echols, Nate Doyle and Joe Blackburn took first in their flight in a sizzling 44.36. The mark easily bested the state qualifying time of 45.67.

In winning, the PHS crew also out legged several Class 4A and 5A schools including Mesquite, Gilbert, Marana Mountain View and Tempe Marcos de Niza.

The 4x800 team of Carlan Pontious David Cluff, Bryson Addington and Carlos Lopez competed on the meet's second day in the elite "seeded" competition.

That portion of the meet drew only competitors who were there by invitation after meeting minimum qualifying standards.

In the 27 relay team field, Payson finished 10th with 8:31.75.

The winning time of 8:08.24 was posted by Mesa Mountain View.

The two relay crews and their PHS teammates were originally scheduled to return to action March 29 on Longhorn track against Chino Valley.

However, the day prior to the match, CV school officials canceled, citing transportation problems.

The team now travels April 1 to Fountain Hills where it will compete in the Veterans Invitational.

Twelve teams, including some valley "big schools" are entered in the fray that will be held on the campus of Fountain Hills Junior High School.

Field events begin at 9 a.m. and the running competition tips off at 9:30 a.m. with the boys 3200 meters. The day-long meet wraps up with an awards ceremony at 7:15 p.m.

Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for children.

Results from Chandler Rotary Invitational

Girls 200 Meter Dash

Alesha Huddleston, 29.72

Girls 400 Meter Dash

Janet Echols, 1:06.37

Girls 1600 Meter Run

Lana Cluff, 6:02.17

Girls 3200 Meter Run

Lana Cluff, 13:23.64

Girls 300 Meter Hurdles

Amy Buckner, 55.72

Girls 4x100 Meter Relay

Payson High School, 55.12

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay

Payson High School, 4:34.68

Girls Pole Vault

Shanna Coleman, 7-00.00

Girls Long Jump

Jenna Robertson, 13-01.00

Girls Shot Put

Sierra Sommars, 26-08.00

Girls Discus Throw

Sierra Sommars, 89-10

Boys 400 Meter Dash

Brandon Echols, 53.24

Boys 800 Meter Run

Bryson Addington, 2:10.46

Boys 1600 Meter Run

Carlan Pontious, 4:37.92

David Cluff, 4:40.32

Boys 3200 Meter Run

Carlos Lopez, 10:35.70

Boys 4x100 Meter Relay

Payson High School, 44.36

Boys 4x400 Meter Relay

Payson High School, 3:47.19

Boys High Jump

Brian Schwind, 5-10.00

Boys Long Jump

Brian Schwind, 20-04.00

Boys Triple Jump

Brian Schwind, 41-00.00

Boys Shot Put

Bryan Burke, 42-02.00

Boys Discus Throw

Mike Daniels, 115-04

Bryan Burke, 106-03

Boys 100 Meter Dash

Brandon Echols, 11.50