MHS takes to the track

MEEKER I On Saturday, the Cowboys track and field team made the long trip to Hotchkiss High School for their second competition of the season. Although many times and distances were hampered by the cold weather, the boys and girls were able to earn some top spots in their events.
Scoring the most for the girls’ squad was Aly Ridings with her first place in the triple jump and hurdles, fourth place in the long jump and fourth place in the 4×200-meter relay with Taylor Ahrens, Jordan Brown and Brianna Holding.
The participants in that relay did not stop scoring there. Senior Jordan Brown earned sixth in the high jump and seventh in the long. Taylor Ahrens earned eighth place in the 100-meter hurdles and finished just out of scoring position in the 200-meter dash. Also scoring in the triple jump was Lexi Meszaros, earning eighth place.
In the distance events, the lone point scorer for the Cowboys was Jordan Smith earning eighth place in the 800-meter run. As usual, the throwers teamed up to contribute a large number of points to the team. Senior Bailey Atwood had a good day in the shot, nearing her personal record throwing 34-10 and earning second place. Junior Ohana Mataia also earned points in the shot throwing a personal best of 30-9.
The boys’ squad, with a mix of leadership from upperclassmen and young talent also turned in some solid performances. Tala Atoafa was the lone senior to score points for the Cowboys. He started the day nailing a season best in the triple jump of 39-6 and a second place finish. He represented his team well in the 110-meter high hurdles finishing in third place.
Atoafa’s final scoring event was the exciting 4×100-meter relay. Teamed up with sophomore Jeff Wagner and rookies TJ Shelton and Devon Pontine, they sprinted their way to a second place finish. The two freshmen also scored points in their open events. Shelton earned fourth place in the 100-meter dash and third in the 200-meter dash. Pontine was able to earn points in the 100 dash as well by earning sixth place.
Jumper and sprinter Jake Phelan also had a productive day with his fifth-place finish in the triple jump and 400-meter dash and fourth place finish in the long jump.
To finish off the scoring for the Cowboys was freshman Noah Overton, who earned fourth place in the shot put.
The squad does not have a meet this week due to spring break, but April 6 will find the team at the Frank Woodburn Invitational at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction.