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Photo by Richard Gwin

Kristina and Jennifer Taylor

Olathe — As twins, Lawrence High seniors Kristina and Jennifer Taylor are linked forever.

Two peas in a pod. Two of a kind. Two can play at that game.

But Friday night at the Sunflower League track and field meet at the Olathe District Activities Center, each Taylor twin was worth a half.

Shortly after the boys 100-meter dash, meet officials announced the winners of this year’s Merlin Gish scholarship award, given annually to the three standout female athletes and three standout male athletes from the league. However, instead of picking the Taylors and just one other female, the league coaches chose to group the two Lions, creating room for two other recipients.

“It’s really cool to win it together,” said Kristina, who placed second in the 400-meter dash and third in the 800. “It’s a really big award, and it’s from everyone in the league. It’s a great honor.”

The other Taylor, who joined her sister in helping three LHS relays place in the top eight at league, said winning the Gish award — which comes with a $1,000 scholarship (which the girls will split) — ranked as one of the most memorable moments of her career.

“Medals and stuff like that, they’re all the same,” Jennifer Taylor said. “But winning an award like this and being selected for it among so many great athletes is awesome.”

LHS coach Jack Hood, who nominated the twins, said both represented the spirit of the award brilliantly.

“They deserve it,” Hood said. “They’re great kids, they’re great students, and they’re great athletes, and that’s what the award’s all about.”

Several city athletes turned in memorable performances on a night when the team finishes weren’t spectacular. Lawrence High place eighth in the girls competition and 10th in the boys. Free State’s boys placed eighth and 12th in the girls meet.

Free State senior Tim Malcolm set a school record in the pole vault by clearing 14 feet. Malcolm, who previously had tied the record of 13-6, eclipsed the record height on his third and final attempt.

“I had a little motivation from a senior last year,” Malcolm said. “And I just really wanted that record. I knew I could get it, and I knew my coaches believed in me. It’s a great feeling.”

Malcolm’s record-breaking performance was indicative of the way the night went for many city athletes, as several rose to the occasion of the first of three straight postseason meets.

Free State sophomore Drue Davis also broke a school record, finishing third in the 100 in 12.65 seconds.

“We’ve all had a lot of experience by now, we’re not as nervous, and we’re in a lot better shape,” Davis said. “I felt a lot more excited about this meet than other meets, and I’m pleased with the result.”

Free State distance runner Kyra Kilwein finished in the top three of two events, taking second in the 3,200 (11:29.75) and third in the 1,600 (5:15.4). Sophomore Chantay Caron was fourth in the 200 (26.46), senior Gabe Moss took fourth in the 1,600 (4:34.09), and junior J.D. Wiebe took fourth in the 800 (1:59.91).

In the LHS camp, senior Quintin Rucker out-dueled junior Chebon Dawes in the shot put, finishing second at 50-feet, 4-inches. Rucker’s mark was a personal record by three feet and outdid Dawes, who finished third, by a foot.

“Me and Chebon are naturally competitive together,” Rucker said. “That’s what we do every week. For me, this was about raising the standards for myself because my goal is to get to state in something.”

Dylan Hedges was the only other LHS competitor to place in the top three in an event. He was third in the 1,600 in 4:32.19. Senior Bridget Wenger’s throw of 99-8 inches placed her fourth in the javelin.

Next up for both teams is the Class 6A regional meet, Friday in Olathe. Although this week’s focus was on faring well at league, both coaches had their eyes peering ahead toward regionals, as well.

“We’re using this as a stepping stone for next week,” FSHS coach Steve Hefernan said. “Tonight was about getting better and having some fun before we get serious next week.”