Records fall for R-SI

Ronan-St. Ignatius got six first place finishes at the Lake County Invite last Tuesday, May 1, and continue to see improvement from its athletes heading into the district track meet this weekend.

The team also had eight finishes on Saturday at the Seeley-Swan Invitational in Missoula. Both the boys and girls teams continued to see personal records fall and used this week to tune up and get ready for what is now the postseason.

Ronan-St. Ignatius got six first place finishes at the Lake County Invite last Tuesday, May 1, and continue to see improvement from its athletes heading into the district track meet this weekend.

The team also had eight finishes on Saturday at the Seeley-Swan Invitational in Missoula. Both the boys and girls teams continued to see personal records fall and used this week to tune up and get ready for what is now the postseason.

“Both meets this week were more specializing meets with limited entries and participation due to other activities taking place in the students’ lives,” Ronan-St. Ignatius head coach Crystal Pitts said. “Hopefully the rest helps their upcoming meet.”

At the Lake County Invite, Paden Alexander placed first in both the 1,600-meter race (4:47.18) and the 800-meter dash (2:10.96). Jalen Bell also placed first twice, getting top marks in the long jump (20-4) and triple jump (40-10). Also in the jumps, Dallas Jore placed third in the long jump (19-2) while Stuart Grant was second in the high jump (5-2). In the 3,200-meter race, Wyatt Madplume was third (11:27.94).

In the 400-meter dash, Riley Dennis placed third (54.73) while Marcus Hungerford was second in the 800-meter dash (2:12.39). Marley Tanner was third in the 110-meter hurdles (17.7).

In the throws, Lucas Gerhardt continued to excel, getting personal bests in the shot put (43-0.5) and javelin (160-5).

“Lucas had very good throws,” Pitts said. “The key now is for him to take care of his arm.”

Nikko Alexander was third in the javelin (141-1). For the girls, Jenny Larsson placed first in the high jump (4-8), while Stephanie Lewandowski tied for second (4-6).

“She is coming along,” Pitts said. “Jenny always does best toward the end of the season. I think she will be there again.”

Twyla Hogge placed second in the shot put (34-1.5) with a personal best while Aspen Jore placed third in the javelin (105-7). Jade Gray anchored the distance races for Ronan-St. Ignatius, placing first in the 1,600-meter race (6:04.63) and second in the 3,200-meter race (13:54.99). Courtney Heath took third in the 1,600-meter race (6:27.21) and Boy Tokurou took third in the 3,200-meter race (14:04.24).

In the hurdles, Amy Brooks took third (17.5) while Kaylie Durglo was third in the triple jump (29-6). At the Seeley-Swan Invitational on Saturday, Alexander took first in the 3,200-meter race (10:29.26) and set a new Mission high school record in the 1,600-meter race, placing third (4:39.21).

“It was a good race,” Pitts said. “He ran 4:39.21 and broke the old record held by Keith Rugg at 4:40.00. It was a very good race for him he ran even splits.”

Ryce Hegwood also took fifth in the long jump (19-8) For the girls, Larsson was fourth in the high jump (4-10) and Jore was fifth in the javelin (104-9). Jade Gray took sixth in the 1,600-meter race (6:05.83) and Lewandowski was fifth in the 100-meter hurdles (17.60).

Ronan will head to Missoula Big Sky for the District Track Meet on Friday and Saturday.

“I am open minded as the nice weather could play a factor in a lot of performances so I am going to hope for the best from the Ronan-St. Ignatius teams and the boys could place high,” Pitts said.