MEEKER | The first track meet of the year, and the team traveled out of Meeker to Rifle in 2 degree weather, to be met in Rifle with temperatures nearing 40 degrees by mid-day.
“The kids did well in Rifle on Friday,” said head coach John Strate. “We were very excited to get out of the snow and have some sunshine.”
Rifle was a competitive meet with 19 teams attending, most of which were from larger schools.
The field events opened the day, and the throwers “were very impressive,” said Strate. Sophomores Grant Cravens and Axel Olivas led the way for the boys, both throwing personal bests in the shotput and the discus. Cravens broke the 100 foot barrier for the first time in his career with his throw of 102 feet. The girl throwers picked up where they left off with seniors Megan Shelton and Sydnie Main taking first and second. Shelton won the meet in both throws with her mark of 33 feet in the shot and 117 feet in the disc. Main threw 31 feet in the shot taking third and 107 feet in the disc taking second place.
On the track for the ladies, Gracie Bradfield had an excellent first meet of the year winning the 100-meter dash with her time of 12.92 seconds.
“A great early season time for Gracie and a testament to the summer work she put in on her start,” commented Strate.
Bradfield also won the 200-meter dash with her time of 26.85 seconds. Kenzie Turner took fourth in the pole vault clearing 7 feet 10 inches. Also placing in the vault was junior Tevin Pelloni with his vault of 11-4 earning him sixth place.
“This is a fantastic first meet for Tevin as he looks to clear 12 feet this season,” continued Strate. Cooper Main narrowly missed placing finishing ninth with vault of 9-10.
On the track again, “Tannen Kennedy ran a strong early season 800-meter run with his personal best of 2 minutes 13 seconds,” said Strate. The boys 1,600-meter relay team of Spud White, Colby Clatterbaugh, Pake Burke and Porter Hossack took eighth place with their time of 3 minutes 55 seconds.
“After spring break we are looking forward to hosting our home meet on Friday, March 29,” Strate said. “ We have 11 teams attending this year and are keeping our fingers crossed for warm weather to melt the snow.” On Monday coach Greg Cravens could be found shoveling the track getting it ready for the kids that remained in Meeker to be able to practice. Living in a mountain town, they have to be prepared for a whole variety of training conditions.
If you would like to follow the kids and see full results they are posted at: https://co.milesplit.com
Tiffany Jehorek Photos
By Tiffany Jehorek | Special to the Herald Times
