In the first outdoor meet of the 2026 season, the Slicer Boys Track & Field team lost to Lake Central and Merrillville on Tuesday night despite outstanding performances from Thrower Malachi Washington who swept the Shot Put (50' .25") and Discus events, as well as Caleb Rose running to victory in the 1600 (4:46.75) and 3200 (10:32.82). Destin Matzke also held his own by winning the High Jump (6' 0") event, and performing well in the Long Jump (21' 10.5"). Casey Cochran finished a close 2nd place to Washington with a personal best throw of 49' 11.5" in the Shot Put, and Preston Scheidt finished 3rd overall in the High Jump (5'10"). Unfortunately, there weren't many other points scored by the Slicers throughout the meet against very tough DAC competition. Malachi Washington's throw of 152' 10" was not only a personal best, but places him 6th all-time in Slicer Track & Field history. Full results can be found at https://in.milesplit.com/meets/744778-merrillville-vs-lake-central-vs-laporte-boys-2026/results Next up, some Slicers will travel to the Bob Potter's Field Events Showcase in Lawrence, Indiana on Friday, and the entire will compete next Tuesday when we host Portage in DAC competition.