Ward qualifies for state track in three events

Spring break generally takes a big bite out of track and field each year, but in spite of small numbers, the Hot Springs County High School track team had a good showing at the L.A.K. Invitational in Powell on Saturday.

Head coach Ernie Mecca said between the middle school and high school teams, about one-third of the athletes came to practices over spring break.

“I take that as a victory,” Mecca said. “They got in some significant training and really took advantage of the time.”

Jules Ward was the only one on the team who double qualified for state at the Powell meet. She is now qualified in all three of her individual events.

Not only is Ward qualified, she’s leading the pack in 2A with her times.

Mecca said another advantage to spring break is three athletes on the boys team are now healed up and ready to go, so the team will be returning full strength.

The Bobcats will be in Riverton this weekend at the Roy Peck Invitational, starting at 9 a.m.

Boys team

Choc Maddock (26 points); 400M, first, 53.16 (automatic qualifier); 200M, first, 23.87; 100M, third, 11.95.

Cody Bjorhus (13 points); 200M, third, 24.41; 100M, fifth, 12.08; long jump, sixth, 18’4”.

Tyler Cornwell (16 points); long jump, first, 19’4”; triple jump, third, 38’6.5”.

Hudson Roling (8 points); 1600M, third, 4:58.19 (personal record); 800M, seventh, 2:26.62.

Vinny Castle (6 points); pole vault, third, 11’0”.

Cameron Igou (2 points); triple jump, seventh, 34’11.5” (personal record)

Girls team

Makayla George (11 points); triple jump, third, 30’3” (personal record); 200M, fourth, 29.72; long jump, eighth, 13’9”.

Jules Ward (18 points); 1600M, first, 5:40.62 (automatic qualifier); 800M, second, 2:30.50 (automatic qualifier).