Wildcats Participate in First Track Meet
by Broadside Staff
April 24, 2009
After multiple weeks of preparation, the WCHS track teams were chomping at the bit to finally see some competition. They were able to see those days of hard work pay off at the Triplains Invitational Track Meet at Colby on Tuesday.
There are always high expectations when
the season begins and this year is no different.
“I want to go to state and see as many of
my teammates there as I can there,” senior Mitch Harrison said.
The boys’ team made a strong showing and
placed third in team points while the girls’ team also finished
towards the top, placing sixth out of 17 teams.
Senior boys led the team as Austin Buell won the pole vault with a
vault of 11 feet 8 inches, Bailey Kemp took second in the discus
with a throw of 119 feet 9 inches, and Harrison placed second in
shot put (43 ft. 10.5 in.) and fifth in the discus (115 ft. 4
in.).
The junior boys also had a strong showing and Tate Andrews placed third in shot put (42 ft. 6 in.), and sixth in the 100 meter dash with a time of 11.75 seconds. Trevor Bieker placed fifth in long jump with a distance of 18 ft. 5.75 inches. Sophomore Dallas Buell also had a strong performance placing fourth in 800 meter with a time of 2:20.90 and placed sixth in the 1600 meter with a time of 5:15.36.
Relay teams have traditionally been a strong point for WCHS boys’ teams and this year is not exception. The 4x100 relay placed third with a time of 47.42, the 4x800 team took third with a time of 9:44.29, and the 4x400 rounded out the day finishing fourth in a time of 3:53.37.
The girls’ team had a good day and every member of the team helped score points for the team. Freshman Hallie Kuhlman took first in the 200 meter with a time of 26.54, first in the 400 meter in 1:00.34, and second in the 100 meter with a time of 12.89. Senior Tess Robben competed for the first time ever in Shot Put and placed fifth with a throw of 28 ft. 8.25 inches. Freshman Hayley Pletcher placed fifth in the Triple Jump with a jump of 31 ft. 2 inches while Kamee Benisch took fifth in the pole vault with a vault of 6 ft. 8 inches.
With only seven members, the girls’ team is only able to have two relay teams, but both teams earned points as the 4x100 finished fifth in a time of 56.13 and the 4x800 team also placed fifth with a time of 12:09.01.
“We have plenty of room for improvement, but I was really proud of the girls doing as well as they did with only seven members. It should be a great season,” said girl’s track coach Brenda Kirkham.
Due to the weather, the meet scheduled for Friday was postponed and the Wildcats have track meets this week Tuesday at Stanton County and Friday at Colby.
