Arlee is off and running

MISSOULA - Both the Arlee boys' and girls' track and field teams struggled at the Jim Johnson Invitational last Wednesday in Missoula at Dornblaser Field. The boys' finished 12th out of 15 teams while the girls' finished eighth.

"We are experimenting right now, especially with the boys' team," Arlee head coach Russ Baker said. "We have a good idea what the girl's strengths are. We are solid in the throws. We need to keep improving so that we can compete with other district teams."

Becca Nelson finished first in javelin with a throw of 97-11. She also placed fourth in discuss with a throw of 87-5.

Nelson competed in the high jump, after only a day of practice, and placed fourth with a jump of 4-0. Baker said he expects Nelson to improve tremendously in the high jump as the season progresses.

Aspen Meidinger and her sister Rachelle also placed in the throwing events. Aspen finished third in the shot put with a throw of 28-5, 1/4 and Rachelle placed sixth in the discuss with a throw of 82-11.

Cassandra Kline finished sixth in the triple jump with a jump of 30-0.

The boys' team has added four new pole-vaulters from last year.

"As of a few weeks ago they had never touched a pole in their lives," Baker said. "They have been clearing some good heights in practice. I expect good things from them."

Cole Rice finished fourth in the pole vault with a jump of 10-0.

Baker said that some of the athletes on the boys' team have been busy with the all-star basketball game and haven't had much practice time yet.

Another setback for the boys' team has been figuring out their roster.

"We have good athletes. I just have to figure out where to put them and use their strengths," Baker said.

The boy's 400-meter relay team finished fourth running a 47.93. The 1,600-meter relay team finished sixth with a time of 4:01.38.

Sam Nelson finished sixth in the javelin throwing a 140-1. Justin Adams placed third in long jump with a jump of 18-6.

Arlee's next meet is at 3 p.m. on April 13 at Loyola.