TF, Plains athletes excel at state

It was a spectacular way to end a track season for the Blue Hawks and Horsemen/Trotters, competing against the top athletes at the class AA and B State Track meet at the Bulldog Memorial Stadium in Butte last weekend.

For sophomore discus State Champion Alexis Deming, it's still just the beginning of her athletic career. She slung the discus 123 feet one inch, winning by a whopping six feet. Deming won third place in the shot put, catapulting the put with a personal record of 37 feet two inches.

Trotter Peyton Wasson placed 16th in the 800 and 19th in the 1600. Kalli Tuma took 12th in the 400 in a time of 1:03.37, 7th in the 100 hurdles with a personal record time of 16.71 and 12th in the 300 hurdles with a personal record time of 50.65.

The Trotters placed 11th out of 25 class B schools.

All-State Plains Horseman Mason Elliott placed fifth in the 110 hurdles in 16.15, seventh in the 300 hurdles with a personal record of 42.56 and 16th in the 400. The Plains Horsemen's 400 relay team: John Thurston, Jay Flanagan, Nicholas Hill and Darren Standeford took tenth place and Elliott, Flanagan, Standeford and Joseph Martin achieved ninth place in the 1600 relay.

"The athletes came to compete and did just that, but we had our fair share of ups and downs. The stadium is filled with fans, nerves are on end and competition is at its best," said Thompson Falls Coach Trenna Ferris.

All-State athletes and placers were Ellie Baxter and Breck Ferris. Baxter won third in the 3,200 in 12:11.87, fourth in the 1600 with a new school record of 5:28.52 and 6th in the 3200 with a personal record of 2:24.83.

Breck Ferris, a two-time state placer, took 5th in the long jump with a 19 foot 10.25 inch jump. Cael Thilmony placed 18th in the 3,200, "competing hard," said Ferris. "Let's go get 'em next year, Cael."

"Braedon Ferris battled through the downpour and threw his second best mark of the season, placing 11th. We are proud of you Braedon," said Ferris. He launched a 123 foot 7 inch throw.

Faith Palmer ran solid races, said Ferris. She ended her season with 11th in the 1600 in 5:51.84 and 13th in the 3200 with season bests. Freshman Katelyn Subatch got 22nd in the 800 and 23rd in the triple jump. Trinity Riffle placed 15th in the high jump with a 4 foot 8 inch jump.

"Chesney Lowe was patient through the rain delays at the pole vault and ended her career with an 8 foot 6 inch throw, placing 9th," said Ferris. Lowe got 12th in javelin and 17th in the long jump.

The women's 400 relay team of Riffle, Palmer, Subatch and Lowe got a personal record on their last race of the season placing 18th. The 1600 relay team of Palmer, Subatch, Riffle and Baxter also achieved a personal record placing 12th.

"Overall, we are so proud of all our athletes. We are going to miss the Seniors and their contributions to our team, leadership and work ethic. Thanks to all the coaches (Susic, Naegeli and Gilberts) for their dedication to the track program!" said Ferris.