History was made on May 6 at River Valley High School, as Marion Harding stepped onto the track for its first-ever appearance at the Marion County Track and Field Meet. And what a debut it was.

Romy Yancey and Aycen Rich will forever be etched in the record books as the first Marion Harding athletes to claim victory at this storied event. Yancey blazed through the girls' 100-meter dash in 13.03 seconds, while Rich matched the feat on the boys' side with an impressive 11.78-second finish.

"It's great. I'm glad we got invited and were able to run," Yancey said, reflecting on her history-making sprint.

The Marion County Meet is a cherished tradition that traces its roots back to the old Marion County League—a relic from a bygone era before consolidation reshaped the athletic landscape in the early 1960s. For decades, Ridgedale, Elgin, and River Valley have gathered annually with Pleasant to keep this legacy alive. But one key piece was always missing: Marion's city school.

Until now.

This year, River Valley opened its gates to Marion Harding, welcoming them alongside Elgin, Ridgedale, and Pleasant for a meet that felt both nostalgic and fresh. The energy was electric as fans witnessed the start of a new chapter in county track and field history.

For athletes like Yancey and Rich, it wasn't just about winning—it was about being part of something bigger. Their performances set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling new tradition in Marion County athletics.