Scarlets win field events
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The girls’ team has led the Arlee track and field team all season, according to head coach Russ Baker.
Juniors Becca Nelson, Rachelle Meidinger, Jenna Pablo and freshman Whitney Malatare have scored the most points all season long and at the Montana Western B, C Divisional Tournament May 20-21 in Missoula, they continued that tradition.
Nelson and Meidinger earned high marks in their field events. Nelson had the best performance of her high school career in the javelin on Friday. She threw for a personal best 124 feet and 6 inches, 12 feet more than her previous one, to win the Class C divisions and qualify for state next weekend in Missoula. Nelson also placed sixth in the discus throw with 94 feet and 9 inches.
“Usually I do not do well on overcast days,” said a surprised Nelson, who explained she typically performs better in sunny weather. “I want to throw farther at state and do the best I can.”
Meidinger was favored coming into the divisional meet and took third in the shot put with a throw of 32 feet and 1 inch. Malatare placed third in the long jump with 14 feet and 11 inches, an event she preferred second to the triple jump. She competed in the preliminaries of the triple jump but did not make finals.
The girls’ team collected 23 points and placed ninth overall.
Junior Brady Potts was the only boy to place in the top six at the tournament and make it to state. He threw just a little over 45 feet to take fourth in the shot put.
Junior Sam Nelson injured himself warming up for the javelin and did not compete in that event. He was able to compete in the triple jump but did not qualify for finals.
Baker also lost junior Clayton Trimble who broke his leg just before the divisional meet. Trimble was supposed to run in the 100 and 200-meter races.
Though Baker doesn’t have any seniors on this year’s team, he hopes more students will try out next year.
“It’s hard to bring home trophies when we have just four girls, but those four girls try hard and do all five events,” Baker said.
