MEEKER | The Meeker High School track and field team opened its season March 13 at a meet in Rifle, Colorado, with several athletes turning in strong early-season performances.
Co-head coaches Kirk Hossack and Terrence Casias said the opening meet served as a strong starting point for evaluating the team.
“We both thought it went very well,” Hossack said. “It was kind of a feeling-out process to see where some of these athletes are at, especially the returning ones, and if they’re stronger or a little faster. Overall, it was a very good track meet.”
Junior Tucker Chinn led the Meeker boys with a fourth-place finish in the 300-meter hurdles, posting a time of 44.95 seconds. He also placed eighth in the triple jump at 37 feet, 1.5 inches.
Chinn said he has been intentional in balancing preparation across multiple events.
“At practice I make sure to block out specific amounts of time to spend preparing for each event,” he said.
He added that his season-opening performance was a strong confidence boost.
“It was very encouraging to open the season with a fourth-place finish in the hurdles and kind of shows me what I am capable of doing this season,” Chinn said.
Looking ahead, Chinn said he sees room for growth.
“I learned from that meet that as long as I prepare myself and better ready myself for my events, especially the hurdles, I can make some big improvements,” he said.
Chinn has set high goals for the season.
“My personal goals this season are to qualify in the long and triple jump, place top three at state in the hurdles, and break the school record of 42.6 in the hurdles,” he said.
Senior Sam Smithers added a top-five finish for the Cowboys, placing fifth in the long jump with a mark of 18 feet, 10 inches.
Freshman Jake Grieser cleared 5 feet, 7 inches to finish 10th in the high jump, while Meeker’s boys 4×200-meter relay team placed 10th with a time of 1:41.40.
Hossack said one of the biggest strengths for Meeker in the opening meet came from its relay teams.
“Our relays, in general, I was really pleased with,” he said. “They turned out even better than we thought.”
For the girls, senior Addie Knowles had a strong all-around performance, placing third in the pole vault with a clearance of 7 feet, 2 inches. Knowles also finished sixth in both the discus (97 feet) and shot put (29 feet, 11 inches).
Junior Josey McClain placed sixth in the 800 meters with a time of 2:37.72 and said the meet was a solid starting point.
“I could definitely tell it was the first meet, but I’m happy with a good start to the season,” McClain said.
She added that she has high expectations moving forward.
“My goals for this season in the 800 are to qualify for state and hopefully break some records,” she said. “My freshman and sophomore years were successful, so I come in seeing a lot of potential.”
Meeker’s girls 4×800-meter relay team also turned in a strong performance, finishing second with a time of 10:49.89.
Sophomore Norah Loar placed 10th in the long jump with a mark of 14 feet, 2 inches, while sophomore Hailey Schwartz finished 10th in the triple jump at 29 feet, 11.5 inches.
Beyond results, Hossack said early-season meets are about evaluating effort and coachability.
“Attitude, effort and just showing up — that’s what we’re looking for right now,” he said. “The kids have been very willing to be coached, and that’s been great to see.”
With spring break this week, Meeker will have time to continue building fitness before its next competition.
“We’re just hoping to get everyone in shape and continue to improve,” Hossack said.
The Cowboys are scheduled to return back to action March 28 at 9 a.m. in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Junior Tucker Chinn of Meeker High School soars through the air during the triple jump at a meet in Rifle, Colorado on March 13. Chinn placed eighth in the event and fourth in the 300-meter hurdles. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
Junior Josey McClain of Meeker High School competes in the 800-meter run during the track meet in Rifle, Colorado on March 13. McClain finished sixth in the event. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
Senior Addie Knowles of Meeker High School clears the bar in the pole vault during a meet in Rifle, Colorado on March 13. Knowles placed third in the event. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO