ESCANABA — A change of pace was offered to area track and field teams in the first Escanaba Relays here Friday.

The Esky girls won the 66 points, followed by Negaunee 44, Gladstone 22 and Rapid River four on this sunny and breezy day.

“The first time through there’s always going to be a few hiccups, but this was something different for the kids,” said Esky coach Dan DeLong. “This gives teams a chance to jell. The co-ed (1600-meter) relay built a little team unity. It was nice to see the kids not have so much pressure. This was not all about one person. If somebody had an off day, their teammates could pull them up. We appreciate the efforts of all the helpers who helped make everything run smooth. One thing I learned is we’re going to start the field events a little earlier next year.”

The Gladstone boys scored 51 points, followed by Negaunee 43, Esky 26 and Rapid River 18. Hannahville also participated in the weight events.

“This was a real good experience,” said Gladstone junior Drew Hughes, who anchored the winning 1600 relay. “I’m happy with how I ran. The relays were fun, especially the co-ed relay. It was a little windy, but the weather was nice.”

For Negaunee junior Endla Harris, running the third leg of the opening medley relay marked the first time she did 1200 meters in a competitive setting.

“This was a little different,” she said. “It was a little harder to pace. This was our third meet this week. I was a little tired, but this was a fun way to end the week. It was a pretty nice day, although the wind on the back stretch was challenging.”

Esky senior Ciara Ostrenga was pleased with her split (2:35) in the anchor leg of the 400-200-200-800 event.

“I think that was my best time this year,” she said. “I’m very happy with that, especially with running into the wind. I thought our team did well. This was a good day to improve your time.”

Gladstone senior Jamisyn Bergeron, who led off the co-ed relay, ran 62-second splits (for 400 meters) in two events.

“I was just going to take it a little easier and have fun,” she said. “Part of it was to get ready for other races. We had longer handoffs than usual. I didn’t want to run the last leg today.”

Coach Jim Murtha said the Gladstone girls enjoyed the change of pace.

“It was a fun day,” he added. “It was run pretty quick and kept everybody active. Lot of the distances were different and they got a good workout out of it. I think it helps the kids because most of them ran distances longer than they’re used to. It was a relaxed setting. There was no pressure. They just went out and did their best. We’ll see the benefits next week.

“Aleyna Wetthuhn stepped up bigtime. Kristy Karl cleared 4-8 in high jump by quite a bit and Jamisyn running two 400s in 1:02, we’ll take that. The kids had to run out of their comfort zone, but did a nice job. The meet went real smooth.”

The Rapid River boys won pole vault (19-6) and shared first with Gladstone in high jump (16-2).

“This was a good meet,” said Rockets’ coach Steve Ostrenga. “This was our second meet in a row and a great workout. We came out of here with a lot of positives. The kids responded well. Hats off to Escanaba, coach Dan DeLong and Scott Dykema and all the workers.”

Boys

800-400-1200-1600 medley — 1, Escanaba, 12:10.53; 2, Gladstone; 3, Negaunee.

Shuttle hurdle (100×2) — 1, Gladstone, 36.53; 2, Negaunee; 3, Escanaba.

800 — 1, Negaunee, 1:41.5; 2, Escanaba; 3, Rapid River.

400-200-200-800 medley — 1, Gladstone, 4:01.97; 2, Negaunee; 3, Rapid River.

400 — 1, Gladstone, 46.88; 2, Negaunee; 3, Escanaba

300 hurdlesx3 — 1, Gladstone, 2:31.6; 2, Negaunee; 3, Escanaba.

Shot put/discus (400) — 1, Negaunee, 52.31; 2, Gladstone; 3, Escanaba.

2400 — 1, Gladstone, 6:43.09; 2, Negaunee; 3, Escanaba.

High jump — 1, Rapid River and Gladstone, 16-2 (tie); 3, Negaunee.

Pole vault — 1, Rapid River, 19-6; 2, Gladstone.

Long jump — 1, Negaunee, 49-2; 2, Rapid River; 3, Gladstone.

Shot put — 1, Negaunee, 116-4; 2, Gladstone; 3, Rapid River.

Discus — 1, Gladstone, 308-8; 2, Escanaba; 3, Rapid River.

Girls

800-400-1200-1600 medley — 1, Negaunee, 14:08.19; 2, Escanaba; 3, Gladstone.

Shuttle hurdle (100×2) — 1, Escanaba, 37.91; 2, Negaunee.

800 — 1, Escanaba, 1:58.69; 2, Negaunee; 3, Rapid River.

400-200-200-800 medley — 1, Escanaba, 4:45.29; 2, Negaunee; 3, Gladstone.

400 — 1, Escanaba, 55.6; 2, Negaunee; 3, Rapid River.

300 hurdlesx3 — 1, Escanaba, 2:47.69; 2, Negaunee.

2400 — 1, Escanaba, 7:51.23; 2, Negaunee; 3, Gladstone.

High jump — 1, Escanaba; 2, Negaunee; 3, Gladstone.

Pole vault — 1, Escanaba, 25-0; 2, Gladstone; 3, Negaunee.

Long jump — 1, Negaunee, 42-3 1/2; 2, Escanaba; 3, Gladstone.

Shot put — 1, Escanaba, 108-9; 2, Negaunee; 3, Gladstone.

Discus — 1, Escanaba, 248-9; 2, Negaunee; 3, Gladstone.

Co-ed

1600 — 1, Escanaba, 4:06.2; 2, Gladstone; 3, Negaunee.