Track teams ready for divisional meet

Showcasing their hard work and talents at the 6B District meet in Eureka last weekend were the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks and Plains Horsemen/Trotters. Many athletes qualified and will be moving onto Divisionals.

The Blue Hawk girls team seized second place with 110 points edging out the Eureka Lions team who had 98 points. Five girls, who placed in the top six, will be moving on to Divisionals. "I cannot say enough about the quality of athletes we have!" said Coach Trenna Ferris.

Winning three first places was senior Ellie Baxter. She ran the 800 in 2:32.5, the 1600 in 5:35.69 and the 3200 in 12.48.63. Trinity Riffle placed third in the 100 in 13.75, second in the 400 in 1.04.23 and fifth in high jump. Katelyn Subatch took fourth in the 800, fourth in the high jump and third in the triple jump with a 28 foot 11.5 inch jump. Chesney Lowe put some more notches on her record, placing third in the long jump at 14 feet 10 inches, second in the pole vault at 8 feet and third in the javelin at 103 feet 11 inches. Faith Palmer won third in the 1600 with a time of 5:55.58 and second in the 3200 in 13.52.01.

The Blue Hawk girls took second in the 4x400 and second in the 4x100 relay. "We also had 14 personal records and for those who did not move on, they went out on their season bests! Way to represent our school and team!" said Ferris.

The Blue Hawk boys team racked up 17 personal records. "There were some ups and downs on the boys side, but they did come to compete and some just missed out on placing," said Ferris. Eight boys made the cut for Divisionals.

Braxton Dorscher took third in the 4x400 relay; Braedon Ferris placed second in the discus with a throw of 117 feet six inches and third in the 4x100 relay; Breck Ferris placed second in the long jump with a 19 foot 9.5 inch jump, sixth in the 100 and third in the 4x400 and 4x100 relays; Kaiden Robins placed third in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays; Nick Tessier placed fourth in the long jump with a jump of 18 feet 7.25 inches and third in the 4x100 relay; JT Taylor took third in the 4x400 relay and Cael Thilmony won second in the 3200 with a time of 11:17.34. Ethan Geisbusch will be going to Divisionals as an alternate for the 4x400 relay.

"We had a great District meet and will have 16 athletes moving forward to Divisionals, including the relay alternates," said Plains Coach Rachel Chenoweth.

Horseman John Thurston broke 12 seconds in the 100 meter for a time of 11.71, placing 3rd, and took second in the 200 with a time of 24.11. "With John's strong improvements, he was able to qualify himself for Divisionals in both races,"said Chenoweth.

Mason Elliott placed first in the 400 with a time of 53.04, second in the110 hurdles in 16.09, second in the 300 hurdles in 44.19 and fifth in the 1600 relay. Kalli Tuma also qualified in four events, placing fifth in the 400, second in the 100 hurdles in 17.47, third in the 300 hurdles in 52.52 and third in the 1600 relay.

Brenden Vanderwall placed 5th in the discus, 5th in the long jump, 5th in the triple jump and 5th in the 1600 relay. Peyton Wasson placed third in the 800 with a time of 2:38.55, fourth in the 1600, and third in the 1600 relay and Caleb Lakko placed fourth in the shot put, third in the javelin at 127 feet and third in the discus at 113 feet 9 inches.

Alexis Deming had an amazing throw of 124 feet 4 inches in the discus, with a significant improvement, Chenowith said. She also placed second in the shot put with a 36 foot 2.5 inch put. Nick Hill also had an exceptional feat by breaking 12 seconds in the 100 meters.

"We will continue to seek the same goal as we have all season, which is for each athlete to compete at their best abilities on each given day and look forward to great results," said Chenoweth.

Western B and C Divisionals will be held this Friday and Saturday at Missoula Big-Sky. Those athletes who place in the top six will move on to the state meet in Butte on May 25-27.