MEEKER | The Meeker High School track and field team returned to Grand Junction this past weekend, this time competing at the Frank Woodburn Invitational. The Cowboys had a solid showing, with the girls’ team placing 12th out of 19 teams and the boys finishing 14th.
In her first season as head coach, Jordan Brown shared her thoughts on the team’s overall performance in the third meet of the year.
“The meet was a success, marked by numerous personal records and significant point contributions from several of our athletes,” Brown said.
“Tucker Chinn was close to advancing in the long jump with a jump of 18-6.25 and delivered a solid performance in his first 200 meters of the year,” she said. “Drew Drake continued his progress with a PR in the open 400 (59.44). Addie Knowles secured fourth in the girls’ discus with a throw of 103-3. Ruth LeBlanc threw a personal best in the shot put (31-10.25). Aiden Tapia showed improvement in the 800 with a time of 2:25.60. The boys’ 4×1 and 4×2 teams demonstrated resilience, performing well despite unforeseen lineup changes and a lack of practice.”
Leading the boys’ team was senior Sam Hightower, who placed second overall in the triple jump with a leap of 39 feet. He also took sixth in the high jump, setting a personal best of 5-10.
“Since it was snowy last week, we had less running to do, so my legs felt better,” Hightower said. “Thirty-nine feet is not a PR, and I’m hoping to get 40 feet soon. I did a lot of high jump form work this week, and that paid off very well.”
Other notable performances included sophomore Tucker Chinn placing 10th in the long jump (18-6.25). The 4×200 relay team finished 10th (1:43.96), while the 4×100 team placed 11th (47.98).
On the girls’ side, senior Adison Selle led the way, placing third in the 300-meter hurdles with a time of 49.45 seconds.
“I’m not too upset about that time. It puts me fourth in the state right now, but it’s still a little ways from where I’d like to be by the end of the year,” Selle said. “For my first time out this season, that’s not a bad time, and it allows me to figure out what I need to work on.”
Coach Brown was impressed with Selle’s season debut in the 300 hurdles.
“Adi Selle impressed in her first 300 hurdles of the season, taking third place with a time of 49.45, exceeding early expectations,” Brown said.
Senior Reese Clatterbaugh also stood out, placing fourth in the triple jump with a mark of 31-8.75. “I was super happy about jumping that far,” Clatterbaugh said.
Junior Addie Knowles continued her strong season, placing fourth in discus (103-3) and eighth in shot put (30-8.25). Additional performances included senior Taylor Garcia placing ninth in the 400 (1:06.00) and ninth in the 100 (14.15). Selle finished just behind her teammate, taking 10th in the 100 with a time of 14.17.
Coach Brown emphasized the progress she is seeing across the board from the team this season.
“It’s encouraging to see our athletes discover the events where they excel and find enjoyment,” she said. “Many are demonstrating notable progress and the ability to adapt to different events, providing us with increased options for relay team compositions.”
The Cowboys will travel to Glenwood Springs this weekend for their next meet. Brown previewed what the team will be focusing on.
“Our approach for the Glenwood meet this week involves exploring different relay options and giving athletes chances in new open events,” she said. “The Glenwood schedule has an adjustment this week, with the pole vault being held on Saturday rather than Friday. We’re excited to have a number of our pole vaulters competing and appreciate the team being there to support their efforts.”
