Blackhawks Bring the Fire: Ahnefeld Breaks School Record, Team Stacks PRs at LaPorte

On a day where the wind cut sharp and the temperatures dipped low, the Westville Middle School Blackhawks showed something you can’t measure with a stopwatch…heart. And plenty of it.

Despite the chilly conditions at LaPorte Middle School, the Blackhawks turned the track into their own personal proving ground, stacking up personal bests like firewood in winter.

Leading the charge was eighth-grader Tobias Bradney, who blazed to a first-place finish in the 400 meters with a personal-best 59.60. He wasn’t done there. Bradney also captured second in the 100 meters (13.15 PB) and added a strong showing in discus, proving his versatility across the board.

Eighth-grader Anthony Ahnefeld delivered a historic performance, breaking the school record in the 110m hurdles with a first-place finish in 17.19 (PB). He also secured second in the 200 meters (30.93 PB) and placed fourth in the 400 meters (1:03.54 PB), showcasing both speed and grit across multiple events.

Seventh-grader Gavin Hutchison added to the momentum with a trio of personal bests. He placed third in the 200 meters (31.24), sixth in the 400 meters (1:08.31), and soared to third in the long jump with a leap of 14-4.5.

Sixth-grader Zachary Brady showed determination well beyond his years, earning personal bests in both the 200 meters (45.28) and 400 meters (1:33.02).

Distance runner Owen Ortt battled through the elements to post personal bests in both distance events, finishing sixth in the 800 meters (3:40.58) and third in the 1600 meters (7:52.95). Each lap told a story of resilience.

In the field events, seventh-grader Jaxon Egly led the throws squad with a fourth-place finish in discus (93-5 PB), while Henry Rouse added a personal best of his own (48-3), continuing the team’s theme of growth across all events.

From sprints to distance, hurdles to field events, the Blackhawks didn’t just compete…they evolved. Cold air, strong wind, no excuses. Just effort, focus, and belief.

The journey continues this Saturday as Westville hosts the Jr. Blackhawks Invite on May 2nd at 9:00 AM. If this meet was any sign, something special is building.