Vikings clear major hurdles

THOMPSON FALLS - Both the Charlo boys' and girls' track teams barely fell short of first place last Thursday at the Thompson Falls Invitational.

The Charlo girls scored 84 points behind Superior's 92, while the boys scored a 97.5 behind Thompson Falls' 107.5.

"We are seeing an improvement week after week from the running events," head coach Bret Thompson said. "Now we just have to improve on our throwing events."

The girls' 1600-meter relay team that consists of sophomores Deandra Brown and Dawn Blevins, junior Brittany Shaver and Freshman Rachel Hoyt finished first with a time of 4:34.6.

Another top runner for the girls was junior Shaelyn Fell, who placed first in the 100 hurdles with a time of 17.48 seconds.

"I hope they reach their personal best as the season goes on. If we can get back on a good rubber surface, we will see great improvements throughout the year," Thompson said, referring to the dirt track at the Thompson Invitational.

Blevins is the only girl to compete for Charlo in the throwing events. She placed third in the javelin with a throw of 100-7. Hoyt also placed second in the high jump with a jump of 4-6.

Thompson said the most exciting event of the meet for the boys' team was Junior Chance Rosenbaum's first place finish in the 800.

"He was gaining on a Thompson Falls kid and it was a battle to the finish line," Thompson said.

Three of the boys' pole-vaulters placed at the meet. Senior Chance Firestone jumped 13-0 taking first place, while senior Jame Petersen took second with a jump of 12-6 and junior Chance Rosenbaum took fifth with 11-6.

Junior Chico Stipe placed second in the 100 and 200, with times of 11.66 and 24.19. Sophomore Stephan Delaney also finished second in the 300 hurdles with a time of 43.35.

Charlo's next track meet is at 10 a.m. on Saturday in Seeley.