Kats take second at state track meet

The Columbia Falls girls track team had a stellar end to their season, taking second at the state Class A meet in Laurel on May 23.

The Wildkats were led by state titles from Samantha Mundel, Carla Nicosia and the 1,600 relay team.

Mundel won the 1,600 and 3,200 meters with times of 5:06.27 and 11:11.68. She won the 1,600 by more than 13 seconds and the 3,200 by more than 28 seconds.

Mundel took second in the 800 meters in a photo finish by 0.02 seconds to Pipi Eitel of Belgrade. Eitel ran a 2:20.63, Mundel ran a 2:20.65. Mundel holds the Columbia Falls High School records in all three events.

Nicosia won the triple jump with a leap of 37-03.25, just 2.75 inches shy of tying the school record held by Tanya Tesar. She also took third in the high jump with a mark of 4-10 and took fourth in the 100 meter hurdles at 15.51.

The Kats’ 1,600 relay team won with a time of 4:06.99. They also took fifth in 400 relay at 50.93.

Allyson Gimbel took second in the shot put with a throw of 38-01.75. Kiara Burlage was sixth in the long jump at 16-01.00.

The Wildcats took 13th at the state meet. Tanner Dana was sixth in the 200 at 22.88. The 400 relay team was fourth at 43.96.

In the jumps, Kyler Burns took sixth in the high jump at 6-2, Steven Lindsey was fourth in the long jump at 20-5.5, and Logan Kolodejchuk was sixth in the triple at 41-6.75. Ty Morgan took third in the javelin with a throw at 177-2.

Corvallis won the boys and girls titles.