Eighth grade track teams show outstanding talent

The eighth grade girls track team displays the trophy earned in a fine season. photo by Barb Haynes The Sisters Middle School's eighth grade girls track team finished a record-setting year last month by winning the team title at the District Meet by 108 points in Gilchrist on May 23.

The girls won nine of the 13 events, amassing 171 points to overwhelm teams from Culver, La Pine, Madras, St. Francis, Three Rivers, Trinity Lutheran, Tumalo and host Gilchrist.

Individual school records broken include Jenna Rickards in the 800 (2:36.4) and Kelsey Neilson in the high jump (4 feet 10 inches).

Neilson, Brandi Palmer, Kali Ulmer and MacKenzie Williams broke a long standing record in the 400-meter relay (54.78) while Rickards, Carlie Redfield, Nicole Veloso and Ryanne Conrads demolished the 800-meter relay record by nearly eight seconds (1:58.9).

Both teams won by convincing margins.

At district, Rickards won the long jump (13 feet 3 inches), the 1,500 (5:29.1), and the 800 meters (2:40.66). MacKenzie Williams won the 100 (13.75) and the 400 (1:04.28).

Kelsey Neilson won the high jump (4 feet 10 inches), placed third in the pole vault and fifth in the 100 hurdles. Brandi Palmer won the 200 (28.69), placed third in the 100 (14.2).

Other top scorers included Lani Ulmer, who finished second in the pole vault, fourth in the 400, and fifth in the shot put; Ryanne Conrads who finished third in the long jump and the 200; Kali Ulmer, who finished second in the high jump and the long jump, Nicole Veloso, who finished second in the 400 and third in the 100 hurdles; and Erin Kanzig, who placed third in the 800 and fifth in the 1,500.

"This class is loaded with top level girls," said Coach Barb Haynes. "The high school cross country and track programs will be pleasantly surprised by the caliber of athletes in next year's ninth grade class."

Two eighth grade boys broke records as well during the season. David Waltosz cleared 9 feet 3 inches in the pole vault and Cory McCaffrey established three individual records.

His marks in the long jump (19 feet 1.75 inches), the 400 meters (55.2) and the 100 meters (11.6) may stand for quite some time, according to Haynes.

The eighth grade boys finished second to Culver at District.

The sixth and seventh grade teams were also very competitive during the season and show a great deal of promise for the future at the middle school, according to Haynes.

Haynes and Midge Rose co-coached the team.

They had assistance from Kent Bowles and got some volunteer support from a number of adults including Sally Bones and Terry Withrow.