ROCKFORD – On Friday, Reeths-Puffer athletics needed to update its record books for the newest 300m hurdle record-holder, Mason Darke. At the Ram Classic meet, Darke competed in a plethora of events, but none could compare to his 38.93 performance in the 300m hurdles.
“Breaking the school record means the world to me. I’ve worked so hard this offseason for that, and a bunch of long days and nights with Coach Aerts and Coach Ketner,” Darke said about the achievement.
After Darke’s sophomore year, he decided to transfer from Montague to Reeths-Puffer. As a junior, he became the starting quarterback for a historic program such as the Rockets, and for a young team, they showed signs of explosiveness and even picked up a notable win over Spring Lake.
“Since transferring to RP, I’ve turned my life around in countless ways. A new opportunity helped me be a better person and athlete, but it has also impacted my lifestyle and the way I live my life. RP does an amazing job preaching that in all sports, so shout out to all the athletes and coaches for doing an amazing job with that,” said Darke.
Fast forward to this past winter, Darke has settled into Reeths-Puffer athletics and competed in many indoor track events. On December 14th, he ran a personal best 50.68 in the 400m. The event is one he would like to continue to improve on throughout this spring and into his senior season.
When asked about breaking the record, Darke is motivated to break the record yet again and continue his dominance for Reeths-Puffer. “It’s a great feeling for about all of 30 seconds, and then it’s kind of just old news. I know I can do better, and getting that record this early motivates me.”
Last Tuesday, the Rockets competed against Mona Shores in a duel, and Darke took first place in the 110m hurdles with a personal best of 14.94.
With the season still being relatively young, the junior has many goals he would like to accomplish before the end of the season.
“Breaking the 110 hurdles record held by my hurdle coach right now, and then the Open 400 also—that’s been on my mind for a while,” said Darke. “An all-state spot would be amazing, of course, but a state championship is burning in my mind for sure.”
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