Polson boys win ABC meet

Zach Urness

Leader Staff

Hosting a tournament that featured some of the top talent in Montana, the Polson boys pulled off a close team victory, scoring 92 1/2 overall points to nip Whitefish, who finished with 90 1/2. The girls took third place, scoring 74 1/2 points.

Competing without star sprinter Bryce Picard, who was out sick, as well as Cody Doyle and Jason Bowman who were hurt during the meet, the Pirates relied on top-notch athletes Chris Ogle, Ted Morigeau and Logan Torgison for the bulk of their points.

“I actually didn’t think we’d win,” said head coach Bob Gunderson. “We had four kids out who would usually get some big points for us, but we had some great performances and it was good to pull out the win.”

Runner Logan Torgison was big for Polson in the distance events, winning the 3200 meters (10:41), after taking second in the 1600 (4:34.91) and third in the 800 (1:59.95).

Ted Morigeau, who appears to have finally recovered from a toe injury, scored points with a win in the 300 hurdles (41.6), second in the 110 hurdles (16.336) and third in the pole vault (13’) — a personal best.

“Ted has had some trouble with whacking into too many hurdles and that’s something we’ll have to work on before divisionals start,” said Gunderson. “But he did great in pole vault, that’s the first time he’s got 13 feet.”

While he didn’t win any events, Chris Ogle was big in the shorter running events, placing second in the 400 meters (50.894), second in the 800 (1:59.958) and fourth in the 200 (24.0).

Ryan Kelley added a second place finish in the (13’ 6”).

“That was a personal best for him,” noted Gunderson.

The relay team, which has been a strength for Polson all year long, also did well, taking first place in the 1600 (3:29.620) and second in the 400 (44.719).

“Those were the best times our relay teams have put up this season,” noted Gunderson. “This meet was a good tune-up for divisional, and we’ll hope to improve on some of our times Friday.”

The girl’s team also had a nice meet, taking third place with 74 points.

“It was a good day,” said girls head coach Bruce Thomas. “The kids who could compete did a good job.”

Brittany Gardner led the team with a championship in the discus (123’) and second place finishes in the shot put (34’ 2”) and javelin (117’ 5”).

Danielle Rowe won Polson’s only other championship, with a win in the high jump (5’ 4”). Tanna Bull did well with a third place finish in the 800 meters (2:31.14) and fourth place finish in the 400 (63.01). Christa Redcrow also got into the act, placing third in the 300 hurdles (47.80) and fifth in the 100 hurdles (17.47).

“Christa had a very nice 300 (hurdles),” noted Thomas. “She now has the third fastest time in the conference, which will help with seeding at divisionals.”

Nicole Davey got second in the pole vault (9’) and Tara Johnson got fifth in the pole vault (8’ 6”) and fifth in the javelin (97’ 4”).

“Tara moved up to sixth place in the conference for javelin,” commented Thomas.

Marilee Mowbray, one of Polson’s top point earners, sat out during the meet due to a sore leg.

“We just wanted to save her for divisionals,” explained Thomas.

As for divisionals, Thomas said he expects his team to be in the top two.

“Whitefish is pretty tough,” he said. “But if we perform, I am hoping we can get second place and qualify 10 kids for state.”

Both teams will head to divisionals in Whitefish this Friday and Saturday.