Comet Victories Unites Track Team With Bucket Hat Awards

The Hillcrest Comets track and field team didn't just leave the JT Border West Invitational with medals—they walked away with bucket hats, a fitting tribute to legendary Wheaton coach John Tauber, known for his iconic bucket hat on the sidelines.

Competing against similarly sized schools at the Monday invitational, the Comets showcased their prowess and unity, bringing home 10 first-place finishes. The girls' squad soared to second place with a commendable 111 points, while the boys claimed third with a solid 90 points.

Victories came in waves for the Comets. The girls dominated in the 4x800 relay, 100-meter dash, 4x200 relay, 200-meter dash, and the 4x400 relay. The boys secured first-place finishes in the 4x800 relay, 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 4x400 relay, and the high jump.

But beyond the personal records and medals, the highlight of the day was undoubtedly the bucket hats awarded to first-place finishers. Inspired by Coach Tauber's famous headwear, the hats quickly became symbols of camaraderie and team spirit. In a touching display of unity, multiple winners shared their bucket hats, ensuring every teammate could take home this special keepsake.

The Hillcrest track team has truly excelled this season, setting new records and breaking previous bests with determination and perseverance. Yet what sets this season apart is the evident team spirit—the loud cheering, mutual support, and shared celebrations that bond the Comets into more than just teammates, but a family.

Next up, the Comets will carry their energy and enthusiasm into the Little Eight Conference Meet, set for May 13th in Wheaton, eager to continue their streak of success and unity.