MEEKER | The Meeker High School track and field team was back on the road this past weekend, competing at the Coal Ridge Invitational on Friday and the Rangely Panther Invitational on Saturday. Despite the challenge of back-to-back meets—plus returning in time for athletes performing in the school’s Footloose production—Meeker athletes earned multiple podium finishes and personal bests.
“Juggling two meets and a play was a challenge,” head coach Jordan Brown said. “Despite the cold and intermittent snow at Coal Ridge, they persevered and even managed to achieve some personal bests. It was a relief to have slightly better weather at Rangely. We were incredibly proud of their resilience and dedication in the face of such a packed schedule and unpredictable elements.”
Senior Adi Selle led the Meeker girls at Coal Ridge, placing third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 50.54. Selle explained what goes through her mind in the final meters when it really starts to burn.
“The 300m hurdles is a huge mental race,” Selle said. “At the end, I know my body will do what my mind tells it. I know God has given me the strength to give it my all.”
Brown praised her athletes for their Friday performance, despite challenging weather conditions. “The team showcased remarkable resilience and dedication,” she said. “Tyler Sanders PR’d in the 100m (12.81), Taylor Garcia in the 100m (13.65), and Norah Loar in the 100m (14.17). The girls 4×200 relay—Garcia, Selle, Raley, and Loar—also PR’d at 1:53 and finished third.”
Junior Addie Knowles had a strong Friday, placing third in discus (98 feet, 8 inches) and sixth in shot put (30-7). Sophomore Ruth LeBlanc finished sixth in discus (94-0) and seventh in shot put (29-9.5). Senior Braydin Raley placed eighth in the 400-meter (1:09.42), while Garcia finished sixth in the 100-meter (13.65).
Sophomore Tucker Chinn placed ninth in boys long jump with an 18-2 leap.
“I’m focused on getting better height off the board and staying in good jumping condition,” Chinn said. “I’m hoping for good weather and a couple more opportunities to qualify for state.”
Senior Sam Hightower also placed ninth in high jump at 5-5.5. The relay teams found success as well: the girls 4×100 and 4×200 teams each took third (53.30 and 1:53.82, respectively). The boys 4×1 took seventh with a time of 47.52 and their 4×2 team took fourth with a final time of 1:40.45.
The Cowboys returned to competition on Saturday in Rangely. Junior Sam Conrado led the boys with a first place win in the 400-meter (54.85), followed by Sam Smithers in sixth (57.76) and Clay Crawford in 10th (1:00.21). Conrado also placed sixth in the 100-meter (12.17), while Crawford was eighth (12.31).
Senior Alex Garcia took second in the boys high jump with a mark of 5-6.5. He described what felt right about his jump that day which got him over 5’6.5’’.
“My form felt pretty good, and just having confidence helped a lot,” Garcia said.
Hightower placed second in both the triple jump (38-5) and pole vault (12-9). Hightower described those two marks that he had on Saturday and explained what felt different for him at this meet.
“This wasn’t actually a great week for track,” Hightower said. “My shins hurt pretty bad and my triple jump was not up to par. I’m looking for a jump over 40 feet that’s wind-legal to qualify for state. I’m also excited to jump on some larger poles and hopefully break the school record.”
Senior Reese Clatterbaugh led the girls, taking first in triple jump with a mark of 30-11—a significant improvement from her ninth-place finish (29-9) the day before. Clatterbaugh explained what had changed between the two meets that helped her add over a foot and take first place that day.
“The weather was a big factor,” Clatterbaugh said. “It was snowing while I was jumping on Friday, so my muscles were stiff. On Saturday, it was sunny and warm. I also did a good job resting my legs after Friday’s meet.”
Knowles again had a standout day, placing second in pole vault (7-3), second in discus (104-10.5), and fourth in shot put (30-10.5). She improved by over six feet in discus compared to Friday. She explained how she was able to add over six feet to her discus throw in just one day, and what was clicking for her between those two meets.
“It was a great weekend,” Knowles said. “The weather in Coal Ridge made it hard, so it was good to have a second day with better weather.”
Freshman McKenna Berthelson placed third in the 100-meter (14.02). Berthelson explained what it has been like being a freshman on the team and already making an impact in varsity races.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Berthelson said. “But having upperclassmen to look up to helps me keep my head up. My family really pushes me in hard races too.”
In relay events, the boys 4×100 team placed fourth (50.57), and the 4×800 team took fourth (10:22.25). The girls 4×100 placed second (59.35), the 4×200 finished fourth (2:06.65), and the 4×800 earned second (11:26.46).
Brown noted several additional personal records:
“In Rangely, Sam Conrado PR’d in the 100m (12.17) and won the 400m (54.85). Clay Crawford had PRs in the 100m (12.31) and pole vault (9-9). Sam Smithers PR’d in the 100m (12.38) and 400m (57.76). Tyler Sanders added a 200m PR (26.33). Sam Hightower tied for first in pole vault and was second in triple jump. Keisha Kracht PR’d in the 100m (14.60), and McKenna Berthelson PR’d in the 400m (1:16). Reese Clatterbaugh won triple jump, and Addie Knowles placed second in both pole vault and discus. Ruth LeBlanc had a new PR in discus at 94-0,” Brown said.
Head Coach Jordan Brown shared her final thoughts on how the back to back competition went for the team before getting ready for the meet this coming Friday at Moffat County High School.
“We are incredibly proud of our athletes’ ability to excel under pressure, managing a demanding schedule with the school play alongside these two consecutive meets and adverse weather conditions,” Brown said. “Their commitment and hard work are truly commendable.”
The Meeker Cowboys return to action Friday at the Bulldog Invitational in Moffat County, with events scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.
