High school track and field returned to Western North Carolina this week, with local powerhouses North Buncombe and T.C. Roberson setting a high bar for the 2026 outdoor season. The meet showcased a mix of seasoned seniors and rising underclassmen, signaling a competitive year ahead for the NCHSAA 5A West.
Field Event Dominance
North Buncombe’s Bailey Barrett continued her commanding presence in the circle. The senior secured a dual victory, taking first place in the girls' shot put with a toss of 34-1.50 and winning the discus. Barrett, currently ranked among the top throwers in the region, led a strong Black Hawk contingent that finished third overall in girls' field events.
Her teammate, junior Lily Wilson, followed closely in the discus with a mark of 103-9.00. The duo’s consistent performance early in the season positions North Buncombe as a favorite for the upcoming conference championships.
Jumping and Sprinting Highlights
In the boys' events, East Henderson’s Kane Sinex proved to be the athlete to watch in the pits. Sinex swept the jumping events, securing first-place finishes in:
High Jump: 5-10.00
Long Jump: 19-1.50
Triple Jump: 39-2.00
Meanwhile, on the track, T.C. Roberson’s Brooks Roslonski delivered a standout performance in the boys' 800m. Roslonski clocked a precise 2:01.23, a strong early-season time that anchored the Rams’ middle-distance dominance.
Community Impact and Growth
The atmosphere at the track reflected a growing enthusiasm for youth athletics in Buncombe County. Local boosters and families filled the stands, buoyed by the region's preparation to host the 2026 NAIA National Championships at the nearby Karl Straus Track this May.
School officials noted that these early-season successes are vital for building momentum and, they said, encouraging community investment in local sports facilities. With basketball playoffs wrapping up, the transition to the outdoor oval has drawn significant engagement from students and local sports fans alike.