Nate Karlan says there is a noticeable difference in the boys athletic program at Cedar Rapids Jefferson these days.

There's more pride in the school, a better attitude in practice, an improved work ethic in the weight room.

It's showing this year on the boys track team with a good crop of sprinters, who are not taking a back seat to anyone now.

The J-Hawks placed second in the 4x200 relay at the Drake Relays last weekand they had another strong performance at the 28th Annual Wilkinson Relays Friday at Kingston Stadium.

Karlan captured the 200 meter dash in a swift 22.26 seconds. The J-Hawks also claimed the 4x200 relay and won the 4x400 relay.

Karlan thanks the Performance P.E. program at Jefferson - led by wrestling co-head coach Matt Orton - has made a big difference since he arrived at the school four years ago as a freshman.

"It's really changed the mentality of Jefferson sports," he said. "We've had the mindset for a long time that we haven't been that good of a sports school.

"We've really changed that mentality: We can be pretty good."

Ron Tower has been the Jefferson boys track coach for 18 years and was an assistant coach for 10 years before that. He agrees with Karlan about the changed attitude at school.

"You do notice it," said Tower. "All schools have good kids. We're all working with good kids. But there's a confidence factor, there's a pride thing.

"Once that starts to roll in your direction, it makes a difference. And that's what I'm starting to feel a little bit."

Tower had a new situation to deal with after the J-Hawks placed second in the 4x200 relay at Drake. It was not a big problem, but had to be dealt with after a few of his runners became a little too impressed with themselves.

"I had to talk to the kids about how to be humble," he said, laughing. "I never had to do that. We had to talk about humility last week, because they were so excited."

Jacob Beaton, Karlan, Dan Larson and Dylan Chittick ran on the triumphant 4x200 relay Friday. Larson, Chittick, Jimmie Bonheur and Alphonso Soko shared the honors on the victorious 4x400 relay.

Chittick placed second in the 100 meter dash, Soko finished second in the 400 and the J-Hawks also placed second in the 4x100 on a good day for their sprinters.

Kennedy won the team championship with 111 points. Prairie placed third, Jefferson fourth, Linn-Mar fifth and Washington seventh.

Shaun Beyer captured the high jump for Kenendy (6-foot-4) and joined Famiek Cook, Derek Jacobus and Marcus Perkins on the victorious shuttle hurdle relay that ran a speedy 57.92 seconds. Drew Heitland won the shot put for the Cougars (52-3).

The Prairie Hawks collected victories from Trevor Northrup in the 100 (11.59), Mitch Pritts in the 3200 (9:55.48) and Michael Lamparek in the discus (142-11 1/2).

Curtis McCrary won the long jump for Linn-Mar (22-7) and joined Tristan Freese, Tim Wolfe and Daniel Gorsich on the winning 4x100 relay (43.39). Linn-Mar distance star Josh Evans rested Friday after a busy weekend at Drake.

Landen Akers of Washington blazed to victory in the 400 meter dash in 49.68 seconds. Isaiah Nimmers won the 400 hurdles for the Warriors (57.17).

TEAM STANDINGS

1. Kennedy 111, 2. Iowa City West 96, 3. Prairie 92, 4. Jefferson 76, 5. Linn-Mar 67, 6. Iowa City High 60, 7. Washington 54.

WINNERS

100 - Trevor Northrup, Prairie, 11.59

200 - Nate Karlan, Jefferson, 22.26

400 - Landen Akers, Washington, 49.68

800 - Kaleb Greiner, Iowa City West, 1:57.99

1600 - Daniel Gardarsson, Iowa City West, 4:22.39

3200 - Mitch Pritts, Prairie, 9:55.48

110 hurdles - Andrew Gilbaugh, Iowa City West, 15.31

400 hurdles - Isaiah Nimmers, Washington, 57.17

4x100 relay - Linn-Mar (Curtis McCrary, Tristan Freese, Tim Wolfe, Daniel Gorsich) 43.39

4x200 relay - Jefferson (Jacob Beaton, Nate Karlan, Dan Larson, Dylan Chittick) 1:29.84

4x400 relay - Jefferson (Dan Larson, Dylan Chittick, Jimmie Bonheur, Alphonso Soko) 3:29.28

4x800 relay - Iowa City High 8:09.39

1600 sprint medley - Iowa City High 3:40.69

Shuttle hurdle relay - Kennedy (Famiek Cook, Derek Jacobus, Marcus Perkins, Shaun Beyer) 57.92

High jump - Shaun Beyer, Kennedy, 6-4

Long jump - Curtis McCrary, Linn-Mar, 22-7

Shot put - Drew Heitland, Kennedy, 52-3

Discus - Michael Lamparek, Prairie, 142-11 1/2