COURTESY PHOTO
MEEKER | The Cowboys are at that point in the track season when kids are pushing hard to make it to state, with only two regular season meets left on the schedule, last week was huge when looking to qualify for state.
On Thursday the vaulters went to the High Country pole vault meet in Kremmling, Colorado.
“Overall the team had a great day,” began head coach John Strate. Aspen Merrifield “had a monster personal record,” clearing 7 feet 2 inches. Kenzie Turner doubled down setting both a new personal record and a new school record of 9-8, beating her old school record by 4 inches that she set at the state meet last year. Cooper Main also had a great day clearing 10-8 and earning a new personal record. Main is on the bubble for state qualifying, Turner, Kelton Turner, Colby Clatterbaugh, and Tevon Pelloni are all in the top 18 and looking like they should qualify.
On Friday the wind in Craig presented a bit of an issue for moving up in the rankings, but before the wind started Julia Dinwiddie had a new personal best in the 100-meter hurdles of 17.8 seconds.
“This is the first time she has run in the 17’s,” commented Strate, “and it should secure her a trip to the state meet.” At this point all of the girls relays are qualified and two of the boys relays. The Cowboys have a number of individuals that should make it. Jeremy Woodward “is really coming on,” said Strate. “He took first at Moffat County and is currently qualified in both the long and triple jump.” Gracie Bradfield, Kirsten Brown and Megan Shelton are all looking to qualify for state. Sydnie Main has also qualified for state in discus and shot put, but has suffered a season-ending knee injury and will likely be unable to compete.
The road to state is growing shorter, and “we will keep our fingers crossed for favorable conditions the last two meets of the regular season,” continued Strate.
This week is a three-day league meet in Grand Junction. “The league meet is fun because it is the first time all year we get to see how we stack up against just 2A competition, and we get to see where we fall as a team in our league,” wrapped up Strate.
Pole vault is on Thursday at Grand Junction High School and the rest of the meet is Friday and Saturday at Stocker Stadium.
By Tiffany Jehorek | Special to the Herald Times
