ShawneeDispatch.com

For the Maranatha Academy track and field team, the old adage of playing up to your opponent's ability rang true at Friday's Shawnee Mission North Relays.

The relays, long a staple of several area track programs' seasons, were filled with competition from the region's 5A and 6A programs - as well as the 2A Maranatha Eagles. Running against much larger schools proved to be just what the Eagles needed to reach some of their best marks - not only of the 2008 season, but also of their careers.

Senior distance standout Zach Zarda's performance in the 3,200-meter run was the highlight for Maranatha. He broke the school record with a time of 9 minutes, 47 seconds and won the event. Zarda also earned a third-place finish in the 1,600, but it was his 3,200 time that had his teammates and coach talking.

"Zach ran a great race," said Maranatha track coach Bernie Zarda. "He came back from last and overtook a couple of runners; and this was right after he had run a good 1,600."

Another sterling 3,200 mark was turned in on the girls' side by Alison Bailey. She matched Zarda by setting a new Maranatha record of 11:25.

Not to be outdone, sophomore pole vaulter Keegan Williams vaulted 10 feet, 6 inches - the highest mark in Kansas 2A this year. Sprinter Sara Showalter recorded her personal best in the 100, while teammate Dani Wilson earned her own record time in the 3,200.

Brant Asbell on the boys' side followed up Zarda with another personal best in the 3,200.

The marks at the North Relays came on top of noteworthy performances Tuesday at the Piper Relays. There, Aaron Winokur set a Maranatha record in the boys' javelin, while personal bests were turned in by Zarda (800 meters), Bailey (3,200) and Bethany Zarda in the 1,600.

Last week's performances were welcome marks for Coach Zarda, who is seeing his team start to hit its stride at the most opportune time.

"We're really pleased whenever our kids set their personal bests," Zarda said. "Our kids are used to competition. When you have something like the North Relays to run in, then you're used to those big meets with a lot on the line. When we go to state, it will feel a lot like North."

With the improving times, Zarda and the Eagles are optimistic about what they might be able to accomplish on May 16 at the Class 2A regionals.

"I think it will be really exciting," Zarda said of the regional, which will be in Pleasanton, Kan. "We could take as many as 12 to state, but a lot is going to have to come together for that to happen."

The Eagles took part in a Tuesday meet at Blue Valley High School. Results were not available at press time.