AURORA | The Robert F. Caviness Invitational has been around for 57 years, but the Hinkley boys and girls had never won team championships in the same season year.
Until Saturday, when the Thunderbirds claimed both team crowns in the meet started by the late Bob Caviness, an iconic track and cross country coach at Hinkley, which was contested at Aurora Public Schools Stadium.
Led by versatile standout Yandouji Diarra, the Hinkley girls racked up 160.5 points to easily win the title for a second straight season.
It was a tighter race for the Hinkley boys, but they still finished 20 points clear of Elizabeth for their first Caviness championship since 1994.
Individually, Vista PEAK junior Ayo Sanusi had a big day, as he won both the boys 100 meter dash and triple jump with an effort of 43 feet, 11 1/2 inches. The Bison finished fourth in boys team standings with 84 points.
The bulk of Cherokee Trail’s team competed in the Ray Campbell Invitational in Colorado Springs, but two pole vaulters competed in the Caviness Invitational and finished 1-2.
Junior Harley Korte won the event by clearing 13 feet, 6 inches.
Notes: Meet organizers Craig and Marla Caviness again handed out scholarships in their father’s name to athletes from Aurora Public Schools teams. Hinkley’s Yanoudji Diarra was one of two recipients.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
57TH ROBERT F. CAVINESS INVITATIONAL
Boys team scores — 1. HINKLEY 125 points; 2. Elizabeth 105; 3. Faith Christian 102; 4. VISTA PEAK 85; 5. Lutheran 66; 6. Englewood 50; 7. Burlington 31; 8. Pikes Peak Christian 30; 9. Machebeuf 29; 10. Platte Canon 26; 11. Ridge View Academy; 12. AURORA CENTRAL 23; 13. CHEROKEE TRAIL 18; 14. Montbello 16; T15. Colorado Springs Christian 5; T15. Manual 5
Girls team scores — 1. HINKLEY 160.5 points; 2. Elizabeth 110.33; 3. Platte Canyon 68; 4. Lutheran 66; 5. Burlington 63.33; 6. VISTA PEAK 55.83; 7. Montbello 54; 8. Faith Christian 33; 9. Machebeuf 81; 10. Englewood 19; 11. Manual 18; 12. Pikes Peak Christian 11; 13. AURORA CENTRAL 4
