Maidens take fifth in C-Falls

| April 5, 2007 12:00 AM

Zach Urness

Leader Staff

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Ronan/St. Ignatus track and field teams dug in their heels against the hard weather that saturated the season opening Columbia Falls Invitational tournament and had some good showings.

“The performances were good despite the cold, rain, and wind,” said girls head coach Crystal Pitts. “Everyone got marks and in most of their main events. Getting their marks helps them know where they are and what they need to work on.”

The girls team took fifth place overall at the tournament with 44 points. Terinee McCready led the way with a victory in the 3200 meters (13:00) and third place finish in the 1600 meters (6:03). Sadie McMillan placed third in 300 hurdles (51.4) and tied for sixth in the high jump (4’ 6”). Ishan Wylie placed second in the high jump (4’10) and fifth in the shot put (31’06). Stephanie Salomon placed fourth in the 100 meters with 13.8 and fifth in the triple jump with 30’11.25.

The Ronan ladies also had a good showing in the relays, earning a fifth place finish in the 400 meters (56.4) and a fourth place finish in the 1600 meters (4:47).

Cameron Barber led the way for the boy’s team, taking top honors in the high jump (6’ 2”) and second place in the triple jump (39-7). “Cameron did well, as I expected of him,” commented boy’s head coach Noelle Decker.

Jamie Engeldrum also did well, earning a third place finish in the 300 meter hurdles (42.7) and fourth place in the 110 meter hurdles (17.0).

The 1600 meter relay team composed of Aaron Trudeau, Cameron Barber, Micah Lee and Austin Cheff also placed, taking sixth place.

“Considering our low number of kids that competed on Saturday in Columbia Falls I was very please with how well they did,” said Decker. “We have had a nice addition of boys from St. Ignatius this season that competed very well in the field events. They got some pretty decent marks for the first meet of the spring.”

Decker also noted that Danny Beavers ran a nice 3200 and teammate Levi Maughan was only a few seconds behind him.

The team will be at a track meet in Frenchtown this Tuesday, take this weekend off for Easter, and attend the Kalispell Time Trials on Tuesday, April 10th.