HOWELL — Sam Meriweather made his name in the long jump as a freshman three years ago and considers the 200-meter dash his primary track event.
So, it surprised even him that he ran the second-fastest 100-meter time in Brighton history Thursday, especially in cold weather that isn’t conducive to explosive sprint performances.
Meriweather crossed the line in 11.12 seconds during the Bulldogs’ season-opening dual meet against Howell for one of his four first-place finishes in Brighton’s 102-35 victory.
“The 100 is not actually my main event; the 200 is,” Meriweather said. “This year, I’m really trying to get as many records as possible. I just tried to push myself and the others in that heat pushed me, as well, so I was really happy with what I got.”
The school mark of 10.9 seconds was set in 1980 and tied in 1993. The long jump record of 21 feet, 9 1/2 inches set by Noah Grimm in 2018 was long been Meriweather’s biggest goal, but breaking the 100 mark began to seem possible heading into this season.
“I always wanted to get the 200 record and long jump,” he said. “Now it’s turned more into whatever I can get — 100, 200, long jump and then some relays, as well.”
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Meriweather’s personal best of 22.56 for the 200 is within striking distance of the record of 22.4, which was set in 1988 and tied in 2011. He ran 22.64 to win that event against Howell.
His winning long jump Thursday was 21 feet, one-half inches on a windy day with an actual temperature near 50 degrees and a wind chill of 40.
“I jumped 21 feet two times today,” he said. “So, for the beginning of the season, I’m really happy with that. It’s a really great start. Once I get a warm day and the wind dies down and good conditions, I’m excited.”
Meriweather also helped Brighton’s 800 relay team win in 1:33.46.
Other impressive performances in the first outdoor meet of the season were three victories by Howell senior Romen Williams, two by Howell sophomore Jack MacGregor and a blazing-fast 400 debut by Brighton senior Luke Bellino.
Running his first track meet, Bellino won the 400 in 50.85 seconds. It is Brighton’s fastest time in six years.
