Pirates hope to extend streak

By Trent Makela / Leader Staff

Last season's divisional championship gave the Polson boys' track team their 13th top-three finish in a row and their sixth title in that span. They have also placed teams in the state's top three a total of six times along the way. This year's young team might not be ready to grab its first state title since 1996, but they appear ready to keep their "top three" streak running.

"We hate to see this trophy string come to an end, so we will be doing everything we can do with the talent we have to try and keep it going," Polson head coach Bob Gunderson said. "Our boys team will definitely be younger with less experience. We didn't have a large number of seniors last year but they figured in the bulk of our scoring."

Those gradutaed seniors include Bryce Picard, who placed either first or second in four events at divisionals last year. The team also lost Ted Morigeau and Chris Ogle, both of whom were divisional champions in three events. Sophomore Jason Bowman also transferred to Missoula Sentinel at semester. He would be the team's second-fastest returning sprinter.

The Pirates will return six key seniors from 2007's divisional championship squad. Logan Torgison will lead the group after finishing second in the 800, 1600 and 3200-meter races at divisionals last year. A second-place finish at the state cross-country meet this fall has him primed for a run at multiple titles.

"Logan is one of the hardest workers we have ever had in Polson and should have a very good year," Gunderson said.

Classmate Cody Doyle joins Torgison as a fourth-year competitor in five events.

"Cody is looking very good in the [110-meter] hurdles at this time," Gunderson said. "He is the fastest kid on the team. Keeping him healthy will be a key to our success."

Nathan Poukish will return for his fourth season running long-distance races for the team.

"Nathan has improved steadily and should be able to score points for this years team," Gunderson said.

Anthony Golden will return as the team's best weights-competitor in his senior season.

The Pirates will also feature 11 juniors who will form the bulk of the varsity squad. Craig Bagnell will lead the group in short sprints as well as the high jump.

"Craig was the quarterback of our football and basketball teams. He is a hard worker that will provide leadership on this years track team," Gunderson said.

Fellow junior Ryan Kelley will return in five events. He has advanced to state in the pole vault in each of his first two years.

"He is taller, stonger, and faster this year so should be a key figure on this years team," Gunderson said.

Chris Alfiero also returns in five events.

"Chris just started coming on towards the end of last year and was part of the 1600m relay team that placed 2nd at state," Gunderson said. "He is going to try a few more events this year."

Tucker Morigeau saw limited action last season due to injuries, but will compete in five events this year as well.

"Tucker's another junior that needs to contribute for us to be successful," Gunderson said.

Brock Picard also returns to lead a class of 12 sophomores who are ready to contribute. Picard will try his hand in six events this season.

"Brock is our fastest sophomore," Gunderson said. "He was the alternate on last year's 400-meter and 1600-meter relay teams."

Gunderson was also excited about the 11 freshmen that went out for his team this year.

"We have a number of young, untested men on this year's track team," Gunderson said. "It would be a successful season if we place in the top three teams at divisionals and have at least one individual state champion."