BV Track and Field compete at West Salem Invitational

By Kelsie Hoitomt

WINONA, MN – The Boyceville track and field team spent last Saturday, April 13 at St. Mary’s University in Winona, Mn for the West Salem Invitational that had a total of 11 schools that participated. Both teams finished ninth for the Bulldogs.

Due to the Science Olympiad State Tournament, the Bulldogs only had about half of their team competing at the invitational.

 Katelyn Merten had the best performance of the day for the girls’ team with three top five finishes. She placed second in the high jump with a 4’ 9”, third in the long jump with a 14’ 11”, and fourth in the triple jump with a 30’ 4”.

Also placing for the girls’ team was Samantha Merkel in eighth place in the 1600 m run (7:23.10) and 12th in the 800 m run (3:12.60). Abby Lorenz in 22nd place in both the 100 m run (16.10) and the 200 m run (32.80). Julia Doe also placed in the 1600 in seventh place with a 7:19.30.

For the boys’ team, Mitch Pustol also placed in the top five with a second place finish in the 800 m run with a 2:17.00. He also finished in seventh place in the 1600 m run with a 5:25.70.

Bryor Hellmann had another top five finish for the Bulldogs as well, taking fifth place in the 300 m Hurdles with a 47.00, which is a personal best time for him. He also placed ninth in the 110 m Hurdles.

Also placing for the boys’ team was Dominic Olson who placed sixth in the 400 m (56.90) and 25th in the High Jump (15’ 3”). Caleb Arndt placed 13th in the Discus Throw (91’ 1”), 26th in the Shot Put (31’ 8”) and 35th in the 100 m (14.90).  Dylan Lamm in 19th place in the 300 m Hurdles (1:02.10) and 20th in the 110 m hurdles (27.70). Nicholas Adams placed 13th in the 1600 m (5:42.40). Logan Horstman placed 20th in the 100 m  with a 12.50. Buddy Hanestad placed 20th in the 400 m (1:04.20) and 22nd in the 200 m (27.00). Will Kraft placed 21st in the 400 m (1:12.90) and 24th in Shot Put (32’ 1”). Josh Cormican placed 13th in the High Jump (16’ 7”) and 16th in 200 m (25.80). Robert Bodsberg placed 23rd in Discus Throw (79’ 1”) and 29th in the Shot Put (29’ 10.5”).

“We used this meet to try some individuals in new events. Kraft demonstrated his natural strength in the shot put, Cormican and Pustol showed their grit in legs of the 4×400 m relay and Hanestad demonstrated his versatility in the 200, 400 and 800 relay. Although the weather wasn’t ideal, we were happy to get a meet in,” said coach Joan Klassen.

The Bulldogs are scheduled to host an invitational on April 25 starting at 4:00 p.m. .