Klein stars at Benton

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ While several members of Sparta's track teams had great days at Saturday's Benton Spring Fling, the lead story has to be the outstanding performance of Cody Klein.

In the pole vault Klein turned in a mark of 17 feet, which is believed to be the best outdoor vault in the nation this season. Conditions must have been just right for vaulting and jumping as an athlete from Herrin also set a national best mark in the high jump.

Other first place finishes for the Sparta boys' team were the 3200 meter relay team in 8:42.2, the 800 meter relay team in 1:34 and a double win for Wade Reeves in the 3200 at 10:07 and the 1600 in 4:38.8.

Second place finishes went to the 400 and 1600 meter relay squads, Tyler Bierman in the 300 meter high hurdles and Preston Nance in the high jump.

Third place finishers included John Hill in the 1600, Maurice Austin in the 200, London Oliver in both the long jump and triple jump and the freshmen 800 meter relay team.

On the girls' side first place finishers were Rachel Peck in the pole vault with a mark of 9 feet, Megan Cunningham in the 400 in 1:04.7 and Aleigh Eggemeyer in the 1600 in 5:44.

Second place finishes went to the 3200 meter relay team, the 400 meter buff relay team, the 1600 meter relay team, Jackie Robinson in the triple jump and Melyssa Bradshaw in the 800.

Sparta's third place finishers were Robinson in the long jump and 200 meter dash and Kristina Wilson in the 800.