New Palestine High School

Mike Bauer won the 3200 meter sectional title, leading the New Palestine boys track and field team to a fifth-place finish in Thursday's sectional at Greenfield-Central. Bauer ran the two-mile run in 9:45.87, giving the Dragons an individual sectional title and leading a contingent of New Palestine athletes moving on to next week's regional. Bauer will also advance to the regional in the 1600, where he finished second in 4:23.73. Also advancing were third-place finishers Zane Smith in the long jump (19-9), Paxton Holmes in the 110 hurdles (15.78) and Will Bardonner in the 300 hurdles (41.13). The Dragons' 4x100 relay of Holmes, Bardonner, Tyler Graves and Bryce Neuner also finished third in 43.61 and will advance to the regional. Also scoring for the Dragons were Bardonner in the 110 hurdles (4th, 16.72), Holmes in the 300 hurdles (4th, 42.20), Neuner in the 100 (5th, 11.47), Carson Cooper in the 1600 (5th, 4:36.25), Zion Koch in the 800 (6th, 2:07.70), Kamryn Clark in the pole vault (6th, 10-0), Gabe Silvey in the 3200 (6th, 10:33.54), Jude Russell in the long jump (8th, 18-2.75) and Ethan Kihiu in the 800 (8th, 2:09.40). The 4x800 relay of Cooper, Nick Holland, J.T. Koch and Zion Koch was fourth (8:29.95). The 4x400 relay of Holmes, Joe Bauer, Neuner and Bardonner was fifth (3:33.94). The Dragons tallied 80 points. Franklin Central won with 170, with Greenfield-Central (130) second and Roncalli (98) third. Warren Central was fourth with 93. The Dragons finished ahead of Beech Grove (30), Lutheran (7) and Scecina (1). Victory College Prep and Christel House Manual did not score. The advancing athletes will next compete in the May 28 regional at Greenfield-Central.