Ronan and Polson athletes qualify for State

Ronan and Polson athletes turned in a string of top-six finishes and personal bests at the Western A Divisional Track and Field Championships, held May 16–17 at the Polson Athletic Complex. Facing fierce competition from powerhouse programs like Columbia Falls, Corvallis, and Whitefish, local athletes earned their way onto the podium and into state contention.

Ronan’s Edmo, Qualtier lead on the track

Senior Tayen Edmo was one of Ronan’s top performers on the track, placing fifth in the 400 meters with a personal-best time of 50.74 seconds. He followed that up with an impressive fourth-place finish in the 800 meters (1:58.61), helping Ronan stay competitive in the distance events. He also anchored the 4x400 relay team, which included William Normandeau, Jacob Piapot, and Wade Qualtier, to a third-place finish in 3:27.50.

Wade Qualtier also made noise individually, placing third in the 300-meter hurdles with a personal-best 40.83.

Ronan also made an impact in the field, where Wade Qualtier launched himself to a third-place finish in the long jump with a personal-best leap of 20 feet, 10 inches. Teammate Siouxpixm Qualtier cleared 12 feet, 6 inches in the pole vault to place fifth, just behind Polson’s Isaac Kinnick, who also vaulted 12-6 and claimed fourth on attempts.

Polson’s Brown dominates shot, runner-pp in discus

Polson senior Astin Brown put together one of the most dominant performances of the meet. He won the shot put with a massive throw of 61 feet, 9.5 inches — nearly 10 feet farther than second place. Brown also placed second in the discus with a 164-8 effort, narrowly missing the top spot.

DiGiallonardo, Bontadelli, Horner push distance pack

Polson’s David DiGiallonardo was a force in the distance events, placing third in the 1600 meters (4:26.89) and second in the 3200 meters (9:58.80). He helped power the 4x400 relay team — joined by Luke Horner, Jesse Vail, and Lucian Sawyer — to a fifth-place finish in 3:32.58.

Stene leads Lady Pirates

In girls’ action, Amelia Stene powered the Lady Pirates with a third-place finish in the 100 meters (13.21), sixth in the 200 (26.87), and fifth in the 400 (1:02.04). She also anchored the Polson girls’ 4x400 relay team, which placed sixth in 4:16.11.

Up next

Athletes who finished in the top six in individual events and top four in relays qualified for the MHSA Class A State Track and Field Championships, set for May 23–25 in Kalispel.

    Polson's David DiGiallonardo battles with Ronan's Jacob Piapot in the 4 by 400-meter relay at the Western Class A Divisional meet. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

  

    Morgan Delaney battles Hamilton and Libby runners in 1600M at the Western Class A Divisional meet. (Bob Gunderson photo)
  

    David DiGiallonardo places 2nd in 3200m at the Western Class A Divisional meet. (Bob Gunderson photo)