Small Grizzly squad attends Burlington track meet

It was a tiny crew of just six Rocky Mountain athletes who traveled to the Burlington Invitational Friday, with the RMHS Junior Prom scheduled for that evening.

“It was an optional meet,” head coach Tobee Christiansen said. “We had rides set up if there was time to get to Prom after events.

“That’s a tough one as a coach. Prom comes once a year, and junior prom comes once in a lifetime. We wanted to give them freedom to go and enjoy that.”

The top placer for the Rocky Mountain girls was senior Tarynn Schoening, who cleared 7-6 to place second in the pole vault.

“She didn’t even get to finish (the event),” Christiansen said. “Her legs were bothering her. She cleared 7-6 and her legs were cramping up.”

Also solid was senior Elliahna Scheeler, who placed fifth in the discus with a throw of 94 feet, a strong throw but well below her personal and school record of 114-4.

“It was a little windy,” Coach C said. “You’ll see her jump up from there.”

Junior Keylee Christiansen placed eighth in the high jump and tied her personal record by clearing 4-5, but she had really hoped to compete in the pole vault, which she missed to travel to prom.

“It was a good jump,” Coach Christiansen said. “She got some of the first meet nerves out. She was snapping a little bit quick. Coach (Colton) Hodge will get her straightened out.”

Boys results

Senior Hayden Wambeke had a solid day in the throws, placing sixth in the shot put with a toss of 39-7, a personal record. He also finished 13th in the discus, flinging the disc 100-10, also a PR.

“He’ll progress as the year goes on,” Christiansen said. “Last year was his first year doing track, so as far as time put in (he’s still learning).”

Sophomore Kellan Jackson finished 19th in the shot put with a toss of 35 feet but scratched in the discus.

“He scratched all three throws in the discus,” Christiansen said. “Discus is going to be his better event of the two, probably.”

Sophomore Sam Loyning ran the 1,600 meters for the first time and finished 14th in a time of 5:18.74.

“He set a goal to run 5:20, and he ran 5:18,” Coach C noted. “It was pretty awesome for him to pace himself at those splits. He did a good job staying on track. There was a little wind blowing, so that was a good run for him.”

The Grizzlies were originally planning to compete at the Greybull Invitational Saturday, but with spring break underway, the team has decided to sit that one out. The next competition for the Grizz will be Saturday, April 12, at Powell.