Heat head to big finish

Coach Andrew Leichtnam and his Savage Heat thinclads are working towards a big finish to the season, aiming for the combined District 13C/14C meet in Missoula May 21-22 as the place to begin that big ending.

Hot Springs will warm up for the district meet competing in the Kim Haines Memorial at MCPS Stadium in Missoula Saturday, in the final regular season meet of the spring.

Junior Kyle Lawson has been a team leader for the Heat this season and is currently ranked fourth in the state Class C ranks in the 110 and 300 meter hurdles. Leichtnam says Lawson is planning on adding the pole vault to his resume of events beginning this week in Missoula.

Kawika Ilac, Quincy Styles-DePoe and Bert DeTienne have also been competitive in the hurdles. “They all have a chance at placing highly at the district level,” Leichtnam said.

Making up both relays from those runners, Leichtnam said that they have been making a few lineup changes lately hoping to improve Hot Springs’ late-season chances in those events as well.

Lauryn Aldridge and Josie Uski have been leading the Savage Heat girls. A sophomore, Uski is ranked No. 2 in the long jump and 300 meter hurdles and second in the 110 hurdles in District 14C.

A freshman, Aldridge is No. 2 in the high jump and fifth in the javelin for 14C. Leicthnam also feels that Aldridge could be a post season threat in the triple jump and shot put. “Lauryn has the potential to qualify in four events at the District 14C meet,” Leichtnam said.