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Havre
DAILY NEWS
Spring 2014
www.havredailynews.com
Plenty of track talent on the Hi-Line Daniel Horton
Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com Every spring, the Hi-Line finds a way to field some of the best track and field athletes in the state. And with a lot of those top-notch athletes returning to action this season, several area programs will be pushing for some top team finishes at the divisional and state levels. Some local schools struggled to produce a program with low numbers, but North Star, Chinook, Turner, Big Sandy, Box Elder, Rocky Boy and Chester/J-I will look to build on some recent success. The North Star Knights have been a dominating force in the girls ranks, looking for their eighth consecutive 9C title. A year ago the Knights finished as the No. 3 team at state, and were crowned state champions two seasons ago. The Knights have also dominated the 9C meet over the last decade, as well as finishing second at the Northern C divisional meet last year, and things look promising as a great group returns. Bettie Carlon returns as a two-time state champion in the triple jump and a standout long jumper. Delainey Spicher is also a standout hurdler, while Sierra Yanny returns after competing in the pole vault at state a year ago. Tylynn Rettig will also help lead the way in the pole vault and 100-meter sprint. Rettig placed second at state in the pole vault last year and placed in the 100-meter the last two years. The North Star boys don’t have the same numbers, but do return Cooper Spicher and Quinn Spinler. Spicher is a state placer in the long jump, triple jump, high jump and high hurdles. Spinler is a state competitor in the pole vault. "I have really high expectations for both of our teams this year,” North Star head coach Brian Campbell said. “The girls have a chance to continue competing at a high level in all the meets they are in. The boys are really talented and could compete well throughout the year if they work hard." The Sugarbeeter boys are also looking to continue their great run of team wins. The Beeters won the 9C last year, took second at the Northern C meet, and placed No. 6 at the Class C state meet. Key returning Beeters include Zach Molyneaux (sprints and throws), Travis Roth (distance), and Ty Simenson (sprints). For the girls, Chinook also returns Hannah Wever (distance),
Havre Daily News/Daniel Horton Above: Chinook senior Zach Molyneaux is one of the most talented and versatile track and field athletes, not only on the Hi-Line, but all across Montana. The area track and field season kicks into high gear with the annual Cal Wearly Invitational April 9 at the Havre Middle School track. Right: North Star's Tylynn Rettig, center, is back to help the Knights stay on top of District 9C and Northern C girls track. The North Star program has been one of the premier Class C program's over the last decade. Emily Dennis (jumps), Britney Nelson (throws), Tavin Schneider (throws), Makhayla Farmer (throws). And after a No. 3 finish at the Northern C a year ago, the Beeters are also looking to keep moving up. Rocky Boy seems to always find a distance runner to carry the load, while C/J-I also has limited numbers, but standout athletes like Justin May, who has proven to be a great triple jumper. The Chester girls may struggle with key losses like Kate Graff and Brittnee Theel. But even small programs can compete and produce top-tier athletes.
The Box Elder Bears return Brandon The Boy and Will Ketchum this season, and both seem to get better and better with every long-distance race. The Hi-Line programs will compete all over the state, but local fans will also have some opportunities to catch them in action. The Cal Wearly Memorial meet in Havre on April 9 brings in all the local talent, while most will also compete at the Havre Lions Invite April 12 in Havre. The 9C meet will also take place in Havre May 14, followed by the Northern C meet May 22 in Great Falls and the state meet May 30 and 31 in Great Falls.