Wednesday, Dec. 17 brought the long-awaited return of the “Reindeer Games” to Polk County High School stadium. Polk’s track facility for the sixth straight year was adorned with thousands of lights, decorated trees and holiday character inflatables. The oval venue filled with enthusiastic athletes, coaches and spectators decorated in their favorite holiday attire. Santa and his elves were on site spreading good cheer and organizing the afternoon and evening races for this special event, a track meet with a twist.

A real team effort was measurable as each unit moved about handling the all the ins and outs of running thirty-eight track and field events. In seemingly routine fashion the workers made sure things ran smoothly while hosting 18 schools and many supportive fans. Though focus was placed on athletes meeting qualifying standards in “indoor track” competitions, a greater outreach was achieved by the generous giving by so many.

An initial spark, lit by Assistant Coach Amanda Simoncic, set off a school-wide can drive. The PCHS Key Club, sponsored by Angie McCammon, organized an advocate (homeroom) class competition. At the end of competition early Wednesday morning, there were already 1,041 cans collected by Polk County High School students. Jenny Wolfe’s junior advocate class “the Wolferines” won the advocate competition.

As the Reindeer Games host school, PCHS charged a one-can-per-athlete-per-event entry fee for all competitors. Polk again took the “Most Cans Collected” reindeer trophy and remains undefeated in the team collection competition. Spectators could also donate two cans per person in lieu of the standard $5 admission fee.

Carol Newton, operating manager for Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, will allocate all the items and funds received to those in need of assistance this holiday season.

“It’s just marvelous what you all do here at PCHS, both in supporting these athletes and in your generous giving,” said Newton.

One highlight of the meet was the non-traditional add-on event called the 4×100 meter Throwers-Only Relay, which pits each school’s throws athletes in a running event affording serious “bragging rights” for the winning team. Polk’s men and the North Buncombe women took the wins. The long jump, high jump, and shot put were scored as relays with the top three distances added together for a team score.

Polk’s first place finishers were Caleb Brown, Mitchell Brown, Jacob Wolfe and Sean Doyle with a time of 8:29 in the men’s 4×800 relay. Their time is currently the number one time in the state for all 2A schools. In the men’s 4×100 relay, Alex Leake, Jordan Smith, Tanner Garrett and Eli Hall finished with a 52.5. Hanna O’Brien finished the women’s 55-meter adaptive with 9.50. New state qualifiers include Nate Smart in the 500 meter and O’Brien in the 55-meter adaptive.

Polk men’s performances:

Shot Put: Tanner Garrett, Jordan Smith, Alex Leake, Eli Hall
Long Jump: Jordan Smith 18-10, Caleb Brown 17-0
4×200 Relay: Garrett, Smith, Nate Smart, Hall, 1:39.20, 6th
1,600: Doyle 4:40 2nd, M. Brown 5:00 6th
500: C. Brown 1:10.90 4th, Smart 1:11.0 5th
1,000: Wolfe 2:40.70 3rd
3,200: M. Brown 10:41 5th
4×400 Relay: Doyle, Wolfe, Hall, C. Brown 3:37 2nd

Polk women’s performances:

Long Jump: Addy Lynch 13-8.5, Emma Wagoner 13-07, Lindy Desmaris 10-09, Jen Griffin 10-05
Triple Jump: Wagoner 28-03
55 Hurdles: Lynch 10.7 12th
55 Meter: Katelyn Allison 8.90 37th, Griffin 8.91 38th, Kianna Petty-Davis 8.92 38th, Savannah Jackson 11.10 48th
4×800 Relay: Emily Kocher, Alli Swope, Wagoner, Savannah Robbins 10:55 4th
4×200 Relay: Ashton Capozzi, Lynch, Jennifer Griffin, Joy Shanahan 2:09 6th
1,600: Selena Chavez 6:34 8th, Jessica Bailey 8:33 15th
4×100 Relay: Nelon, Brown, Ponder, Capozzi1:08 2nd
500: Robbins 1:26.60 4th
1,000: Kocher 3:20 2nd, Swope 3:31 5th
300: Lynch 51.70 31st, Griffin 51.90 32nd, Shanahan 52.40 34th, Danielle Holtz 57.0 40th, Alice Yang 57.50 41st
3,200: Chavez 13:52 7th
4×400 Relay: Swope, Kocher, Robbins, Capozzi 4:40 4th

Men’s team scores (top 6): Asheville 81, Polk 67, North Henderson 51, East Henderson 47, Franklin 38.5 Kings Mountain 37.5.

Women’s team scores (top 6): TCR 115, East Henderson 63, Polk 59, Asheville 50, West Henderson 47, Shelby 43.

Thank you to all who supported this event.  The enormous community outpouring of giving this time of year sets the stage for a better holiday season for all. Until next “Reindeer Games!”

-Submitted by Jenny Wolfe