Track teams off and running

The Outlaws track teams didn't let wind, cold and rain dampen efforts at the first meet of the season, a triangular against Marist and Junction City on Thursday, March 13.

The non-scored meet, held at Junction City, was a perfect opportunity for athletes to put the first month of training to the test, according to head coach Bob Johnson.

"Although the weather made it tough to get great marks, the effort put out by the kids was phenomenal," he said.

Some bright spots among the sprinters included two wins by foreign exchange student Max Gruettner who captured the 100-meter dash (12.0) and the 400 (54.2), and a dominant win by Cory McCaffrey in the 200 (23.1).

"Max never had the opportunity to take part in track in Germany and is very excited to be part of the team," said Johnson.

Andy Stahn was just behind Gruettner in the 100 and also took second in the 200 (24.1).

The distance crew faced the talented runners from Marist and held their own quite well, according to Johnson. Parker Bennett shadowed Marist's Matt Hollander though the final quarter mile in establishing a personal best of 9:32.8 in the 3,000 meters. Luke Glick picked up fourth in 10:05. Jared Henderson clocked his best time in the 800 (2:10) for third place. Mike Calavan finished fourth in both the 1,500 (4:29) and the 800 (2:10.3).

"Parker showed a lot of courage going head to head like that with Hollander," said Johnson. "He's got guts."

On the girls side, Johnson was elated to see not just one, but two of his triple jumpers reach just under 33 feet the first meet out. Kelsey Neilson flew 32 feet 10.75 inches with Kali Ulmer just behind at 32 feet 9.5 inches. The pair swapped spots in the long jump, going 15 feet 8.25 inches and 15 feet 4 inches respectively, but Neilson then edged Ulmer in the high jump 4 feet 8 inches to 4 feet 6 inches.

Among throwers, Justine Head won the javelin (95 feet 10 inches) and Brittany Birkeland took second in the shot put with a toss of 30 feet 11 inches.

"Seniors Brandi Palmer and McKenzie Williams showed great competitiveness and leadership at the meet," said Johnson.

Williams finished second in the 100 (13.9) and the 200 (28.7), while Palmer came through fourth (14.4) and third (28.9). Courtney Satko showed her versatility, winning the 200 (28.5), finishing fourth in the pole vault (7 feet) and helping the relay team (Williams, Palmer, and Cindy Steele) to a fast second-place finish (52.9). Freshmen Hayley Palmer (2:56) and Tia Berg (2:56.6) finished third and fourth respectively in the 800. Lani Ulmer placed first in the pole vault by clearing eight feet even.

"There were so many places the kids impressed me, I can't mention them all, but I can say that we are looking forward to a very positive season," said Johnson.

The team is scheduled to compete at Mountain View March 18 and head back over the mountains to Pleasant Hill for a 10-team meet on March 20.