Hanna track makes strides

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) high school track team had two meets this weekend.

The team went to Cheyenne East on April 7. Jarrett Neimark competed in the varsity division and placed third in the triple jump. The rest of athletes competed in the junior varsity division. Also on Friday Shane McGraw qualified for State in another event by running 2:08.41 in the 800 meters. He also placed third in triple jump and fifth in the 100. Conor McGraw continued his work in the hurdles placing second in the 110 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles. Sophomore thrower, Tylor Goodro, placed sixth in the discus.

“We had some great performances,” said coach Jackie Jones.

The only girls to compete on Friday were Kiley Jones and Megan Hunter in their first high school track meet.

“This was a great meet for our younger athletes to compete and be successful with placings and settings PR’s in several events,” said Jones.

On April 8 in Guernsey-Sunrise Cheyenne Tomkins competed on Saturday.

“She had a fantastic showing by placing sixth in the 400, fourth in the long jump, and sixth place in the shot put,” said Jones.

This was the first time since her sophomore year at State Tomkins has been able to jump in a meet. She had a state qualifying 31’ 7” shot put throw.

“We had a small girls; team due to many of them competing at the State Future Farmers of America (FFA) convention,” said Jones.

The boys team had another day of success at Guernsey says Jones. A highlight of the day was from senior Brandon Scott. He placed seventh in the long jump by setting a new PR by nearly 10” and placed sixth in the 300 hurdle. Scott earned a trip to State in the shot put. Scott’s throw of 40’3” was good for a sixth place finish and earned a trip to State.

An event that will be put in place as a sanctioned event next season was introduced at the Guernsey meet on Saturday. The sprint medley relay which has participants run distances of two 200’s, a 400, and an 800, was run by McGraw, Scott, Neimark, and McGraw. The boys won the event with a time of 3:50.18.

Also on Saturday Neimark again placed in the triple jump with second place finish. Freshman, McGraw placed fourth in the triple jump and fifth in the 200. McGraw earned medals in the 110 hurdles with third place and second place in 300 hurdles.

“Another bright spot was the improvement and PR times for junior Kyle Solaas,” said Jones. “He did a much better job of being a tougher competitor , and his time in the 800 really showed it.”

Jones said the track team will take a few days off this week for spring break so the kids can relax and enjoy some time away from school and sports. She has scheduled a couple of late week practices to get ready for the annual trip to the Kaycee Invitational.