Polson, Ronan dominate annual Lake County Track Meet
The 2025 Lake County Track and Field Meet brought together athletes from across the area last Thursday at Ronan High School, with Polson and Ronan asserting dominance in both boys and girls' competition amid warm weather and intense performances.
Girls Recap: Polson runs away with title
Polson’s girls claimed the team title in commanding fashion, piling up 203 points to outpace Ronan (119) and Charlo (108). The Lady Pirates were led by sprint standout Amelia Stene, who swept the 100 (13.11), 200 (27.90), and 400 meters (1:03.88). She also anchored Polson’s 4x400 relay team — joined by Keira Owen, Morgan Delaney, and Ravea Tenas — that clocked a winning time of 4:34.28.
Delaney added three distance titles of her own, winning the 800 (2:32.25), 1600 (5:26.63), and 3200 (11:58.70). Kimora Scott and Reese Adams backed her up with strong second-place finishes in the 800 and 3200, respectively.
In the hurdles, Kellyn Nelson took gold in the 300-meter hurdles with a personal best of 48.73 and added second in the 100. She also posted wins in the pole vault (11'6") and triple jump (32'4.5"), making her one of the most versatile performers of the day.
In the field events, Piper Adams won the shot put with a mark of 31'7.5", while Zailee Hewankorn of Ronan captured the discus with a 95-foot throw. Two Eagle River’s Layla Tenas secured a javelin victory at 93'9".
Charlo made their mark in the relays with a 4x100 victory in 56.25, while Ronan placed second in the 4x400 and had several strong finishes in the throws and hurdles.
Boys Recap: Ronan holds off Polson in tight battle
On the boys' side, Ronan edged Polson for the team title, 194.5 to 163. St. Ignatius placed third with 82.5 points.
Ronan’s sprint leader Wade Qualtier won the 100 (12.06) and 400 meters (51.95), and contributed to victories in both the 4x100 and 4x400 relays. He was joined by Siouxpixm Qualtier, Tayen Edmo, and Will Normandeau on a 4x400 team that won in 3:37.98 — just ahead of Polson’s squad led by David DiGiallonardo.
Edmo and Jacob Piapot swept the 800 in a 1-2 finish, and Piapot returned to place fourth in the 3200. Jhett McDonald led a Ronan sweep of the top five in the 300 hurdles, winning in 43.94.
Polson’s distance crew made strong contributions. Jackson Bontadelli won the 1600 (4:50.45) and placed third in the 3200, while DiGiallonardo was second in both the 400 and 3200. Wyatt Boogerd continued his emergence in the distance races with top-five finishes in the 800 and 3200.
Astin Brown gave Polson a boost in the throws, winning both the shot put (56-0) and discus (157'4"). Dion Lichtenberg’s runner-up javelin mark of 150 feet added key points, but Ronan’s Koda King bested the field with a personal-best 150'3".
Polson’s Nicky Ramsey and Wyatt Bartel impressed in the jumps. Ramsey was second in the triple jump (38'10") and fifth in the long jump, while Bartel took third in long jump and tied for third in high jump. Siouxpixm Qualtier won the pole vault for Ronan with a clearance of 11'6".
St. Ignatius had standout performances from Isaac Umphrey (second in 100) and Harlon Leishman, who won the boys' 3200 with a time of 10:13.46.
Charlo’s athletes chipped in key points in relays and throws, with Eli O’Neill earning multiple top-five finishes and Karson Cox placing second in pole vault. Arlee saw strong outings from Dustone Cyrus in the sprints and Eli O’Neill in the field events.
Ronan's Siouxpixm Qualtier flies through the air while winning the pole vault at the Lake County Track Meet. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)