Running against the wind

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Miner High School Track and Field team went the Scott Hardy Memorial track meet in Wright on April 29. The weather was a bit challenging for the athletes head coach Jackie Jones said.

“It was windy, it was rainy and it sleeted for a bit of time, typical track in Wyoming,” Jones said. “At times I had kids bribing me to come home, but we all survived and it turned out to be a decent day for us.”

Justine Widdison and T’lyssa Solaas had a big day for us,” Jones said. “T’lyssa placed 2nd and Justine 3rd in the 100 meter hurdles. They are really finding a way to work together in practice and push each other in meets and that has been a fun thing to watch as a coach.”

Solaas’ time in the 100 meter hurdle was 19:53 and Widdison came in at 19:64. The two girls had success in other events.

Widdison came in 3rd in the 200 meter dash at 31.21 and Solaas placed 5th in the triple jump hitting 27-8.5.

Rainey Wilson placed 3rd in the 800 meter run.

She said another high note of the meet was the race of Jared Nelson.

“Again he competed really well in the 3200 and earned himself a 3rd place medal,” Jones said. “Jared is improving as the season continues.”

On the throwing side of track and field, Mackenzie Priest qualified in finals for the discus going 57-10. Dylan Romero had a personal best in discus hitting the mark of 80-9. Cody Priest had a personal best in shot put at 25.

“Like I always say with these PRs, if they continue to do that, they might not be placing, but as individuals, you just can’t ask much more than that,” Jones said. “It shows they are going down the right road.”

Hanna Gonzales and Anthony Solaas Jones gives credit for being out on the track and field and commends their effort and support to the team.

“I am proud of how supportive all the kids are of each other,” Jones said. “It is a pleasure to watch as a coach.”

The next scheduled meet is in Thermopolis on May 6.