Ina King takes second in triple jump at state

Members of the Bobcat Track and Field team competed at the State Championships in Casper last weekend.

“While you really never know what can or will happen at State Track, one thing you can bank on is some bad weather. Our kids competed in snow, rain, wind, and the cold, and I was really proud of the mental toughness they showed in doing so. Our team motto all year was “Nobody Cares, Work Harder” and they showed that mentality at state,” said coach Calder Forcella 

Ina King won second in the girls triple jump with 34-08.00, just behind first place finisher Allison Brummell of Torrington who jumped 35-06.00.

Coach Forcella said, “Ina King placed second in the triple jump earning All-State honors as a sophomore who had never triple jumped prior to this season.”

He added, “She battled some adversity with a hip injury all year and marked one of her best jumps of the season at state. It was an awesome moment for Coach Bowker and Ina to share and I look forward for them to keep building in the future.” 

The girls team of Dazlynn Hunt, Jayda Griffin, Brooklynn Williams and Ruthanne Johnson finished 7th in the 4x800 meter relay with a time of 10:48.51.

The boys team of Ethan Yarrington, Ryan Arends, Chris Arends and Seth Needham finished 8th in the 4x800 relay with a time of 9:05.55.

Coach Forcella said, “Both of our 4x8 relay teams found a spot on the podium. They competed and improved all year and it was great to see their hard work pay off at the biggest meet of the year. ”

“Our high jumpers Joely Mounts and Marriah Brooks had to jump in conditions that were not ideal, but went out and gave their best regardless of the circumstances,” said coach Forcella.

He added “Coach Metz did a fantastic job training and preparing them all season.”

Jayci Basse came up short of making the finals in the short sprints but had a fantastic season.

“She was consistent all year and showed tremendous growth with her technique, form, and starts,” said coach Forcella.

He added, “We finished the year with 35 kids out, and 12 state qualifiers. Of the 35 kids, we will have 32 back next year, and we will have all 12 state qualifiers returning.”

“I am proud of the leadership our seniors displayed in setting the foundation for the future and I am looking forward to continuing building and growing. We have a great staff and kids that are willing to compete and work. As a team, we improved a ton this year which is all you can ask for. It’s always a tough pill to swallow when a season ends, but Bobcat track has a lot to be proud of and a lot to look forward to in the future,” said coach Forcella to wrap up the season.