Track teams look solid again this year

Both the Columbia Falls boys and girls track teams should be solid again this year, coach Jamie Heinz said.

Because of snow on the track and the infield, most of the workouts in the first week were done inside, though the runners were able to get out and run the streets. The hope is the snow will melt off later this week.

Both teams took second at the state A meet last year and should be in the mix this year as well. On the boys’ side, the Wildcats will look for good things from returning athletes Austin Green, Dakota Bridwell, Ben Windauer, Sage Wanner, Logan Kolodejchuk and Braxton Reiten to name a few.

Green and Windauer are pole vaulters, Bridwell and Kolodejchuk throw the javelin and Reiten is a sprinter. Wanner is a long distance runner. He won the 3,200 at state last season and was third in the 1,600.

Heinz said he’s also hoping for good things from Michael Hoerner in the hurdles and high jump.

On the girls’ side, the team is anchored by senior Kiara Burlage, who throws the javelin, jumps long jump and is also an excellent sprinter in the relays.

Keavyn Baker is back after suffering a knee injury last year in volleyball that kept her out of track. There’s also a strong group of freshmen girls, including long distance runner Kimberly Peacock, who took second at the state cross country meet last fall.

Heinz also likes the potential of freshmen Kara Mohr and Stella Bistodeau as well.

As most seasons, the teams generally don’t find their groove until the weather warms up a bit in May.

The season opens Saturday, April 8, with the Frenchtown Invitational.