Track squad has solid numbers heading into season next week
Siri Erickson runs during a recent track practice. (JP Edge photo)
Hungry Horse News
The Columbia Falls track team will have strength in numbers this year, with about 112 athletes expected to compete, said coach Jamie Heinz.
“I like the kids we have out,” Heinz said recently.
The track season opens April 9 with the Hamilton Invitational and then the Flathead Time Trials on Tuesday, April 13.
The team should have solid runners, particularly in the long distance events, as the girls won the state A cross country title in the fall and those runners are expected to compete in track as well, though don’t be surprised to see them running a shorter event or two.
On the boys’ side expect sprinter Jace Duvall to be in the mix. Duvall is also an excellent long jumper. Senior Hannah Sempf should not only lead the runners, she’s also a good pole vaulter.
Sempf won the state A cross country title last year.
Last year 36 athletes qualified for state.
Returning runner Siri Erickson took second in the 1,600 and 3,200 and Sempf took fifth in pole vault.
The girls also took third in the 400 relay.
In the field, Alexis Green was fourth in the triple jump. Green will compete this year as well in the same event.
Heinz said the teams to beat this year are Hamilton on the boys side and Whitefish on the girls. The Dillon girls should be solid, too.
Heinz has been coaching since 1999 and has been the head coach since 2006. He’s assisted by Kelly Houle, who coaches pole vault, Kati Knutson, Jim Peacock, Brian McGrath and volunteer coach Talia Sova.