Track teams compete at Mountain View

The Sisters Outlaws track and field squad began competition last week, and first year Head Coach Jeff Larson likes what he sees so far from a squad totaling approximately 40 boys and girls.

The Mountain View Icebreaker, the traditional start to track and field in Central Oregon, took place Wednesday, March 18, in Bend and included a total of seven teams including the Outlaws and the host Cougars, with Gilchrist, Burns, Redmond, Bend and Ridgeview all competing.

Prior to the meet, Larson spoke about his observations of his team.

"Our numbers are down a bit from last season, but I feel that is to be expected since I am a new head coach here," he said. "We currently have about 40 kids on the roster (18 boys and 22 girls) and the coaching staff pushing the concept "team.' The kids are doing a great job and seem to be buying into the novel concept that track and field is a team sport."

At Mountain View the Outlaws produced some solid early-season performances, according to Larson.

Junior Michaela Miller placed in three individual events and was part of the third-place 400-meter relay squad. She placed second in the 300-meter hurdles (50.09), second in the javelin (100 feet even), and fifth in the long jump (15 feet 4 inches).

Erynn Ricker, a freshman, had an equally busy day, placing second in the 200 (28.05), third in the 100 (13.25), fourth in the pole vault (8 feet 6 inches) and ran a leg on the 400-meter relay, along with Mandi Calavan, who placed third in the 200 (28.13) and Madison Rybka.

Senior Aria Blumm placed second in the 1,500 (5:21.26) and fellow distance runners Megan Calarco and Serena Salisbury placed fourth and fifth respectively in the 3,000 in 13:24.36 and 13:24.41

Sabrina Reifschneider captured third place in the 300 hurdles (56.07) and triple-jumpers Dallas Knoop (27 feet 9 inches) and Tara Greaney (25 feet 6 inches) placed sixth and eighth. Maddi Boettner cleared 4 feet 8 inches to finish sixth in the high jump.

In reflecting on his team's first outing, Larson said, "I was surprised by the depth that the girls team showed at this meet. There was some really good early-season competition with several 5A schools in attendance. Our girls weren't intimidated at all. They competed well and scored in both field events and running events. That's always a recipe for success in track and field."

For the boys, a freshman stole the show as Jordan Pollard succeeded in an unusual double by placing fifth in the 400 (56.06) and coming back at the end of the meet to place fourth in the 3,000 (10:09.89). Sam Garbrecht notched a good early-season time in the 100 (11.84) to finish seventh, according to Larson.

Junior Seth Larson picked up a sixth-place in the javelin (129 feet 5 inches) with a good series of throws, all near his personal best, according to Coach Eden Miller.

"Overall, we approached the meet cautiously as we are nursing some early-season injuries," said Larson. "I feel optimistic about the boys because we have some speed and that will pay off down the road."

He continued, "I also like the fact that the boys are willing to try new events. We had some excellent attempts in the field events by some guys who are only beginning to figure out their new events. In time, those marks will become competitive and we'll become a threat in some of the jumps and throws too."

The team is off until April 2 when they travel to Sweet Home for a three-way Sky-Em meet against the Huskies and Elmira.

"I'm not sure how we stack up against the rest of the league," he said. "Sweet Home is well-coached, Elmira does a great job competing as a team, Cottage Grove brings huge numbers, and, of course, Sutherlin is a big mystery. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how we gel

together."