Asked how it felt guiding Lawrence High’s track and field team during the second meet and first home dual of the year, new coach Jack Hood just grinned.

“This is the best part of my day, period,” he said. “I absolutely enjoy and look forward to every minute I’m out there with these kids.”

Hood had reason to smile. His boys posted several impressive times as they defeated Leavenworth High, 107-43, Tuesday afternoon.

Senior James Taylor contributed to that total, racking up personal records during the 300-meter hurdles (43.03), the 200-meter dash (23.80) and his leg of the 4×100 relay.

Taylor lived in Exeter, England, last year before his family moved to the United States prior to his his final high school year. He said Americans took track more seriously than the British. So after doing “nothing” to prepare for track two years ago, he credits his record times to an offseason of running and lifting weights.

“I put more effort into it,” he said. “In England track isn’t really that important to people. It’s more of an offseason (training) thing for soccer and rugby.”

On the girls side, Leavenworth, a talented squad that typically makes a strong showing during the state meet, defeated Lawrence, 90-48.

Junior Jennifer Taylor (no relation to James) rung up a personal best during the 800-meter run (2:24.3) and her leg of the 4X800 relay. In addition to her work ethic, a more positive outlook contributed to her success, she said. Taylor, though, said she needed to improve her endurance. How does such a skilled distance runner do that?

“I need to start running with the guys,” she said.

Taylor could start by running with junior Dylan Hedges. Shortly after winning the 3,200-meter run with a time of 10:37.66, he shrugged off fatigue and helped Lawrence High win the 4X400 relay.

“I spent most of spring break (trying) to figure out if he was nuts,”‘ Hood said. “I came to the conclusion that you wouldn’t put yourself through (that) if you didn’t love Lawrence High School.”

Hedges did receive a slight breather after the two-mile run when the throwers competed in a 4X100 relay dubbed “The Hog Run.” The race did not count toward the overall standings but gave Hedges a necessary respite and provided some frivolity to those more known for their girth than their fleet-footedness.

Senior Paul Finch’s teammates mobbed him after his anchor leg won the relay for the Lions.

“He’s an electric sprinter,” Hood said. “He had a pretty nice day throwing, and that’s a nice way to finish. It’s just kind of a reward for the big kids that never get to do anything on the track.”

Finch finished second in the shotput with a 46-foot, three-inch heave and second in the discus with a 130-foot, 9-inch throw. Talented but raw sophomore Chebon Dawes placed third in the discus at 123 feet, 8 inches.

“He and Finch have a chance to be special,” Hood said.

Senior Kevin Logan lead all high jumpers by nailing a 6-foot, 4-inch jump and barely missed reaching 6-foot-10.

The Lions showed their promise Tuesday afternoon, but the team – whose boys won state and whose girls finished second last year – knows the dual served as a mere tuneup for the more important meets later in the year.

“We took a good step forward,” Hood said. “We’re going to be a better track team in May than we are right now. We’re working towards league, regionals and state. Everything before then is just an opportunity to improve.”