Girls take first at Bigfork meet

Hungry Horse News

Led by three victories from senior Bekah Stoltz, the Columbia Falls girls track team took first at the Bigfork Invitational Saturday.

The boys didn't fare as well. The Cats scored 45 points and took seventh.

It was definitely an impressive showing for Stoltz. She swept the javelin, discus and shot put as the Wildkats scored 119 points, 23 points ahead of second-place Whitefish.

Stoltz threw 134-3 in the javelin, 137-8 in the discus and 37-5 in the shot put.

But Stoltz wasn't the only Wildkat producing points.

In the high jump, senior Kim Pearce was first (5-0) and freshman Auttem Osborne took second (4-10).

It was a good day for Osborne, who also took second in the long jump (15-4).

Coach Wes Knutson said Osborne is a promising freshman, but she has been hampered by some tendonitis.

Jylisa Fields (13-9 1/2) and Colyne Hislop (13-8) also placed in the long jump, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

The Kats also had a fine showing in the triple jump, with Amber Lampman taking third (31-5 1/4), Sarah Sturz fourth (30-11) and Fields fifth (30-10).

On the track, Jessica Boyer placed second in the 1,600 (5:52) and second in the 800 (2:35).

"Jessica had a great weekend," Knutson said. "She has been a big improvement. One of our goals this year was to score more points on the track and we're beginning to do that. Jessica is leading the way there."

Knutson was also impressed with Desiree Marjerrison, who took fourth in both the 800 and 1,600.

Lyndee Thueson was fourth in the 300 hurdles, Alona Raymond was sixth in the 3,200, and Danielle Vukonich was fifth in the 400.

In the relays, Columbia Falls took third in both the 400 and 1,600.

Kevin Boyer had the only first place finish for the boys. He took first in the triple jump (41-9).

"It was a great jump for him," coach Mark Beckwith said. "That's the farthest he's ever jumped."

Bobby Opp triple jumped 40-8 1/2 and took third.

The boys were also strong in the discus.

Jace Ladenburg placed second (135-11), with Greg Macijunas third (135-3) and Neck Beckwith sixth (117-8 1/2).

Both Macijunas and Beckwith had personal best throws.

Ladenburg also took sixth in the shot put (42-5).

Jack Scherman placed in three events, taking third in the long jump (19-11), fourth in the high jump (5-8) and sixth in the 300 hurdles (44.24).

Kallen Bodily was sixth in the 1,600 and Kyle Rosenbaum was sixth in the javelin.

Beckwith said the team is getting better. They are now only missing two athletes and the boys that are already back are getting into shape.

"We're coming along," Beckwith said. "It's still early. We'll get stronger."

The next track meet is Saturday at the Missoula County Meet. The boys and girls also compete in the Bigfork Relays Tuesday.