By By DAN WEISS / Niles Daily Star
For the first time since 1977, the Niles boys track and field team has won a conference title.
The Vikings clinched the Big 16 Conference West Division title Tuesday evening with an 86-77 win at St. Joseph. Niles beat all four West Division teams this season.
James Edwards and Isaiah Glaze each won two individual events. Edwards won the shot put and discus while Glaze won the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash. Josh Mann won the 800-meter run. Ricky Phillips won the 300-meter hurdles. Otis West won the long jump and Kurt Poehlman won the high jump.
The Niles girls also competed at St. Joseph Tuesday evening but suffered a 119-44 loss. St. Joseph is only the second West Division team to beat the Vikings this season.
Niles won just two events as Tasha Webster finished first in the 100-meter dash and Ashley Austin won the shot put. The Vikings actually swept the 100-meter dash with Shameka Fultz and Amanda Britton taking second and third, respectively.
Both Niles teams travel to Allegan Friday afternoon.