Tracksters recognized with awards

Tuesday evening at Thermopolis Middle School, members of the Hot Springs County High School Track and Field team were recognized.

First year letter winners are: Kaylee DeVries, Aspen Jensen, Tahja Hunt, McKenna Bomengen, Aimee Robinson, Erica Meier, Olivia Weyer, Ryan Johnson and Kolby George. Second year letter winners are Chandra Maddock, Chandler Maddock and Ethan Becher. Third year letter winners are: Jules Ward, Elizabeth Rhodes, Haley McDermott and Cullen Becher. Fourth year letter winner is Makayla George.

Wyoming Track Classic qualifiers are Chandler Maddock in the 400 meters, and Jules Ward in the 3200 meters.

Most personal records set by a boy this season was 11, by Kolby George. Most personal records by a girl is seven, by Kaylee DeVries.

Chandler Maddock was the High Point Boy, with 106, and Jules Ward was the High Point Girl, with 119.25.

Ward was recognized for setting the school record in the 1600 meters at 5:22.75, and the girls 4x800 relay team of Ward, Maddock, Bomengen and McDermott was recognized for setting a school record of 10:04.19, breaking the 1986 record of 10:09.00. This was also the fastest time ran in the state in 3A during the 2017 season. The girls on that 4x800 team, as well as Makayla George, received All Conference honors, and Ward, Maddock, George and McDermott received All State recognition.

Also during the evening, appreciation was shown to, among others, the athletes for their hard work, and to the school staff, coaches and volunteers who help make the program possible. Special recognition was given to Coach Brenna Abel for her years of coaching.

Abel, who received gifts from staff and students, expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the past eight years with the school. Though moving to Worland, she said her heart will remain purple and gold.

Among the other highlights of the season were the boys placing sixth at the Regional Championships with 15 personal records and the 4x800 second place relay team running together for the first time all year and with Ryan Johnson running the first 800 in his life.

The boys also placed 14th at State, and had five personal records.