Well, the state track meets have come and gone; and, as always there were some expected performances and some suprises.
Let me start with my vote for the Outstanding Performer.
It would have to go to Chris Wilson of CMR in Great Falls. He continued his hot sprinting and set all-class records in both the 100 and the 200 meters. His 10.67 took down the 10.74 of Steve Heberly of Havre. The race was run into a headwind; so, with a calm day or even a minor tailwind, he possibly could have been in the 10.5's.
But, I still have to say that his 21:06 All-State record in the 200 rates higher in my book. With that run, he won by almost 1 full second and took down a 28 year old record (Dan Hanley of Butte High ran 21:51 in 1981). 21:06 is smoking fast - especially for a sprinter from Montana who has a challenge with limited outdoor training and racing with the winter and spring weather taht sprinters in places like Texas, California and Florida don't have to content with.
Now then - what about the Outstanding Competiton?
As I had predicted - it was the Alexa, Keli and Dani show. The Aragon sisters (Junior Alexa and Freshman Dani) from Billings Senior and Junior Keli Dennehy of Butte High went head to head to head in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs.
Alexa took the 800 in 2:12.41 - followed by Keli in 2:13.04 and Dani in 2:16.25
Alexa took the 1600 in 5:04.84 - again followed by Keli (5:05.39) and Dani (5:05.88). 4th was Heidi Turner of Bozeman in 5:08.97.
The 3,200 saw a reversal of fortunes as Keli took the win in a near sub-11:00 time with a 11:06.68. Alexa was second in 11:22.55 and Turner took third in 11:31.5 (Dani skipped the 3200)
Outstanding races, fast time, great head to head competition. After a vote by the Muddy Buzzard panel of judges - the Buzzard Beak goes to Alexa. 2 out of 3 over Keli with the 2 fastest times in the events this year.
Not to be overlooked would be the solid performances of Aurlea Fain - a junior at Billings Senior was 6th in the 800 (2:23.01), 5th in the 1600 (5:20.73) and 4th in the 3200 (11:33.28). What a tough group to have to compete against. She had a great set of performances across the board; but, still could do no better than 4th.
After all of that indivdual racing, the Butte and Senior Girls went at it one more time in the final event of the meet - the 4 X 400 meter relay. And, the team title was on the line. Dennehy was on the Butte team and the Aragons and Fain were on the Senior team. In the end, Butte pulled out a 3rd place finish with Senior in 4th. That was enough for the Bulldogs to end up with a 2 point win and the State Championship trophy.
Now then, on to some other notable performances.
The Billings West boys 4 X 100 relay - setting a new all-class record of 41.48 (breaking the old record of 42.27 by over 3/4's of a second).
Drew Coco winning the Class A 800, 1600 and 3200 meters to add to his XC title from the fall and a great wrap to his senior season.
Mike Asay of Manhattan with the fastest 1600 and 3200 meter times of the year with a 4:21.01 and 9:45.36 (winning both races by about 7 seconds)
Dillon Fryxell from the small school of Plains with the highest HJ of the weekend at 6-8.
Alexa Aragon adding a 3rd in the PV to go along with the other 4 medal that she won over the weekend. 5 All-State Medals in one weekend. With the hauls that she has made in XC and track over the last 3 years, she is building quite a legacy of HS performances.
The Muddy Buzzard
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Strode Keeps On Striding
Thanks to Thomas Jodoin for giving me the scoop on another great performance from Kyle Strode.
At the Coeur D'Alene Marathon on Sunday May 24th, Kyle finished 2nd overall and 1st Master at the Marathon in a stellar time of 2:49:41 (and only 2:17 out of first overall).
Kyle has had a great "run" since Montana Cup last year and has really stepped up his game in the last 6 to 8 months.
Congrats to Kyle on his great performance.
The Muddy Buzzard
At the Coeur D'Alene Marathon on Sunday May 24th, Kyle finished 2nd overall and 1st Master at the Marathon in a stellar time of 2:49:41 (and only 2:17 out of first overall).
Kyle has had a great "run" since Montana Cup last year and has really stepped up his game in the last 6 to 8 months.
Congrats to Kyle on his great performance.
The Muddy Buzzard
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Challenging the Mountain
Yesterday was the Evaro Mountain Challenge in, on and around the wonderful ranch of Bob Hayes in Evaro (NW of Missoula on Hwy 93). It lives up to the name; and, is, in fact, a rightfully challenging race.
The 5K is a pretty basic out and back with an uphill grade going out and a nice downhill grade coming back in.
The 10K is a modified loop and is much more challenging than the 10K. It's a mix of challenging climbs in the first half, a wide variety of footing (dirt roads, single track trails, double-track jeep trails, and self mad forest trails on dirt and grass). It's amazing to realize that the course records are really quite fast (both held by the Hunts (Ray and Nicole) from 2002 and 2003 I believe). The men's record is 32:54 and the women's is 38:38. If you've run this race before, you'll realize that those are stellar performances.
Well, the records are still safe after this year; but, some of the Missoula speedsters came out and made a run for them.
On the men's side, Jimmy Grant and Keifer Hahn went out hard and fast, taking advantage of good spring fitness. They clearly gapped the rest of field within the first couple of hundred meters and never looked back. After a close race for the duration, Jimmy prevailed by 10 seconds over Keifer, 33:20 to 33:30 with Jimmy missing the record by a mere 26 seconds.
Third overall in the men's race, and first master was your very own Muddy Buzzard. Not really the performance that I'm really hoping for; but, every event seems to be a bit of an improvement. So, I guess I just have to be patient. Not really even being in the same race as Grant and Hahn, I was almost 5 minutes back of them, finishing in 37:55. My only real solace is that I was under Nicole's record. Hey - we have to take the small victories wherever we can !!!!
On the women's side, Rye Palen went out hard, setting her sights on the record. Fighting the footing over the 2nd half of the race, Rye missed out by 36 seconds with a 39:14. 2nd women was Jennifer Sauer in 45:40 and 3rd overall (and 1st Master) was Pam Schiemer in 46:26.
It was a great morning for racing. Mostly calm, with overcast skies; and, maybe in the low 60's. And the setting is fantastic. Great forest roads and trails and the Haye's property is a real gem. It also has a history that is connected to running from back in the Native American days (Jimmy Grant made mention of this as we were talking post race) - here's a link to a story on a Montana history blog about the run - http://montanayesterday.com/?p=53
It was a fun, old school race that I would recommend to anyone in the area.
The Muddy Buzzard.
The 5K is a pretty basic out and back with an uphill grade going out and a nice downhill grade coming back in.
The 10K is a modified loop and is much more challenging than the 10K. It's a mix of challenging climbs in the first half, a wide variety of footing (dirt roads, single track trails, double-track jeep trails, and self mad forest trails on dirt and grass). It's amazing to realize that the course records are really quite fast (both held by the Hunts (Ray and Nicole) from 2002 and 2003 I believe). The men's record is 32:54 and the women's is 38:38. If you've run this race before, you'll realize that those are stellar performances.
Well, the records are still safe after this year; but, some of the Missoula speedsters came out and made a run for them.
On the men's side, Jimmy Grant and Keifer Hahn went out hard and fast, taking advantage of good spring fitness. They clearly gapped the rest of field within the first couple of hundred meters and never looked back. After a close race for the duration, Jimmy prevailed by 10 seconds over Keifer, 33:20 to 33:30 with Jimmy missing the record by a mere 26 seconds.
Third overall in the men's race, and first master was your very own Muddy Buzzard. Not really the performance that I'm really hoping for; but, every event seems to be a bit of an improvement. So, I guess I just have to be patient. Not really even being in the same race as Grant and Hahn, I was almost 5 minutes back of them, finishing in 37:55. My only real solace is that I was under Nicole's record. Hey - we have to take the small victories wherever we can !!!!
On the women's side, Rye Palen went out hard, setting her sights on the record. Fighting the footing over the 2nd half of the race, Rye missed out by 36 seconds with a 39:14. 2nd women was Jennifer Sauer in 45:40 and 3rd overall (and 1st Master) was Pam Schiemer in 46:26.
It was a great morning for racing. Mostly calm, with overcast skies; and, maybe in the low 60's. And the setting is fantastic. Great forest roads and trails and the Haye's property is a real gem. It also has a history that is connected to running from back in the Native American days (Jimmy Grant made mention of this as we were talking post race) - here's a link to a story on a Montana history blog about the run - http://montanayesterday.com/?p=53
It was a fun, old school race that I would recommend to anyone in the area.
The Muddy Buzzard.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Big Weekend Ahead
Busy, busy weekend for road racing and track and field in Montana.
First and foremost is the state track and field meets (AA & B in Kalispell - A & C in Butte). See my preview comments from a couple of days ago. And, I'll do a review post sometime Sunday or Monday.
Second up is the NCAA Regional Meets. Montana and Montana State will be at the Midwest Regional in Norman, Oklahoma. I'll try to hit the highlights for kids with Montana connections.
On the roads, we have one of the bigger weekends of the spring with no fewer than 6 events. On Saturday, we have the Evaro Mountain Challenge outside of Missoula, The Great Northern 5K in Kalispell, The Children's Health River Run in Livingston, The East Helena Fun Run, & The Shaping Our Community Fun Run in Havre.
On Sunday Jim Brewer and the University of Great Falls will be hosting th 2nd Annual Buffalo Jump Runs (1/2 Marthon, 10K, 5K) at the Buffalo Jump in Ulm (outside of Great Falls). All the proceeds from this run will go to benefit the UGF XC and Track teams - a very worthy cause.
The Buzzard will be hitting the back roads of Evaro and taking the Mountain Challenge.
For all those running and racing this weekend - good luck, have fun, and enjoye the pleasant spring weekend!!!!
First and foremost is the state track and field meets (AA & B in Kalispell - A & C in Butte). See my preview comments from a couple of days ago. And, I'll do a review post sometime Sunday or Monday.
Second up is the NCAA Regional Meets. Montana and Montana State will be at the Midwest Regional in Norman, Oklahoma. I'll try to hit the highlights for kids with Montana connections.
On the roads, we have one of the bigger weekends of the spring with no fewer than 6 events. On Saturday, we have the Evaro Mountain Challenge outside of Missoula, The Great Northern 5K in Kalispell, The Children's Health River Run in Livingston, The East Helena Fun Run, & The Shaping Our Community Fun Run in Havre.
On Sunday Jim Brewer and the University of Great Falls will be hosting th 2nd Annual Buffalo Jump Runs (1/2 Marthon, 10K, 5K) at the Buffalo Jump in Ulm (outside of Great Falls). All the proceeds from this run will go to benefit the UGF XC and Track teams - a very worthy cause.
The Buzzard will be hitting the back roads of Evaro and taking the Mountain Challenge.
For all those running and racing this weekend - good luck, have fun, and enjoye the pleasant spring weekend!!!!
Getting Bolder in Boulder
Alan King had another good race at the Bolder Boulder this past Memorial Day. Running a solid 33:56, he placed 44th overall in a highly competitive field. For anyone that hasn't run this race before, it is a deceptively challenging course; and, sub-34:00 is a very, very good time.
Also in the race was former Bozeman resident Tommy Manning. Now living in Colorado Springs, Manning finished 19th overall with a time of 32:46.
The Muddy Buzzard
Also in the race was former Bozeman resident Tommy Manning. Now living in Colorado Springs, Manning finished 19th overall with a time of 32:46.
The Muddy Buzzard
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Oval Beckons
Districts and Divisionals are done; and, all that is left of the 2009 High School Track season are the carnivals known as the state meets. These meets are always filled with great performances, fantastic back stories, upsets, anguish, joy, celebration and two great days of all-track, all-the-time.
A couple of my picks for events and individuals to watch.
For me - the races of the weekend are going to come in the girls AA 800 and 1,600. In the 800, Kelli Dennehy of Butte, Dani and Alexa Aragon of Billings Senior and Nicole Reitz of Billings West have been battling away all year. They've had multiple races where they have finished within a second or two of each other; and, I don't see any let up when all the marbles are on the table.
Then, on to the 1,600. REplace Reitz with Heidi Turner and you have the same set up. This group has run under 5:10 on a couple of occasions. At Divsionals last weekend, less than 1/2 second separated Dennehy and the Aragons from 1st to 3rd; and, Turner was only 3 seconds back of this group.
These girls have all been running very well all year (going all the way back to cross country); and, they seem to be staying sharp right to the end of the track season. Aside from the question of who will come out as champion, two other questions are connected.
First - will we see a state record in either of these two events (800 = 2:11.10 & 1,600 = 4:55.18)? If one of these girls decides to put it all on the line for one of the events, anything is possible.
Second - can Dennehy pull off a tri-fecta (800, 1,600 and 3,200). It will be tough to pull out wins in all 3; but, it would cap an amazing season if she could run the tables.
Now on to some individuals - Can Chris Wilson of CMR get new state records and state bests in the 100 and 200 meter runs. For state records (which are only recognized from races at the state meet) he'll be chasing times of 10.74 and 21.51. He'll be chasing state bests (which can be set at meets outside of the state championships) of 10.48 and 21.37 - both of which Wilson set last weekend at the Divisional Meet in Great Falls.
Now, I've never been one to take stock in fast 100 and 200 meter times from early season meets. Inexperiences timers, wind, hand time, etc. Just too many variables that affect the times. But, Wilson has run some super fast times at some meets using fully auto timing; and, he has been running fast, fast, fast. If he has a good weekend, he could bring the times in both of these events to a whole new level.
Can Drew Coco of Whitefish finish off a stellar season. To go along with his state XC championships can he pull off multiple wins this coming weekend? Not sure about what he'll run; but, he is qualified in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 4x400 relay. He's at or near the top of the yearly list in each event; and, he's shown himself to be a tough competitor. Going undefeated at state meets would be a heck of a way to finish off your senior season.
And, finally - will Class B athletes be able to pull off the best performances of the year in the boys and girls javelins? I've been amazed this year to see that these small school performers throw the javlin as far, or farther, than athletes from the big schools. Will Aaron Palmer of Troy pull out another 200+ throw? Can Ashley Vandolah (Choteau) or Rheanna Padden (Thompson Falls) approach 140 for the girls?
For those of you that are able to make the meets this coming weekend - you have lots of great track coming up. For those that can't be there, check the newspapers and see if your favorites took the gold.
I'll do some follow ups of my performances of the meets and let you know who I think deserves to be considered the best of the best.
The Muddy Buzzard
A couple of my picks for events and individuals to watch.
For me - the races of the weekend are going to come in the girls AA 800 and 1,600. In the 800, Kelli Dennehy of Butte, Dani and Alexa Aragon of Billings Senior and Nicole Reitz of Billings West have been battling away all year. They've had multiple races where they have finished within a second or two of each other; and, I don't see any let up when all the marbles are on the table.
Then, on to the 1,600. REplace Reitz with Heidi Turner and you have the same set up. This group has run under 5:10 on a couple of occasions. At Divsionals last weekend, less than 1/2 second separated Dennehy and the Aragons from 1st to 3rd; and, Turner was only 3 seconds back of this group.
These girls have all been running very well all year (going all the way back to cross country); and, they seem to be staying sharp right to the end of the track season. Aside from the question of who will come out as champion, two other questions are connected.
First - will we see a state record in either of these two events (800 = 2:11.10 & 1,600 = 4:55.18)? If one of these girls decides to put it all on the line for one of the events, anything is possible.
Second - can Dennehy pull off a tri-fecta (800, 1,600 and 3,200). It will be tough to pull out wins in all 3; but, it would cap an amazing season if she could run the tables.
Now on to some individuals - Can Chris Wilson of CMR get new state records and state bests in the 100 and 200 meter runs. For state records (which are only recognized from races at the state meet) he'll be chasing times of 10.74 and 21.51. He'll be chasing state bests (which can be set at meets outside of the state championships) of 10.48 and 21.37 - both of which Wilson set last weekend at the Divisional Meet in Great Falls.
Now, I've never been one to take stock in fast 100 and 200 meter times from early season meets. Inexperiences timers, wind, hand time, etc. Just too many variables that affect the times. But, Wilson has run some super fast times at some meets using fully auto timing; and, he has been running fast, fast, fast. If he has a good weekend, he could bring the times in both of these events to a whole new level.
Can Drew Coco of Whitefish finish off a stellar season. To go along with his state XC championships can he pull off multiple wins this coming weekend? Not sure about what he'll run; but, he is qualified in the 800, 1600, 3200 and 4x400 relay. He's at or near the top of the yearly list in each event; and, he's shown himself to be a tough competitor. Going undefeated at state meets would be a heck of a way to finish off your senior season.
And, finally - will Class B athletes be able to pull off the best performances of the year in the boys and girls javelins? I've been amazed this year to see that these small school performers throw the javlin as far, or farther, than athletes from the big schools. Will Aaron Palmer of Troy pull out another 200+ throw? Can Ashley Vandolah (Choteau) or Rheanna Padden (Thompson Falls) approach 140 for the girls?
For those of you that are able to make the meets this coming weekend - you have lots of great track coming up. For those that can't be there, check the newspapers and see if your favorites took the gold.
I'll do some follow ups of my performances of the meets and let you know who I think deserves to be considered the best of the best.
The Muddy Buzzard
Friday, May 22, 2009
Lot's of Happy Mom's????
May 9th at the Don't Fence Me In Trail Races in Helena (to Benefit the Prickly Pear Land Trust).
Kiefer Hahn and Michele Bazanella take the 30K titles in 2:09.41 & 2:38.47 respectively. 4th and 6th overall went to the top 2 masters runners. Kyle Strode continues his breakout Master's season with a 2:20:46. Scott Gaiser continues to run solid and hit 2:26:04.
In the 12K, Nicole Hunt showed that she was no the worse for wear after her Bloomsday effort by taking a commanding victory in 57:16. Thomas Jodoin had another strong race by getting a 3 minute victory over Zack Strong (48:08 to 41:15). Greg Wirth rounded out the top 3 with a 54:14 effort.
On the same day - the extravaganza known as the Montana Women's Run took place in Billings. A new record turnout occurred with almost 7,000 women celebrating healthy lifestyles.
The 2-mile was dominated by Master's, as over 40 runners took the top 3 positons. 4-time Oly Trials Marathon competitor Karen Sanford Gall (48) took the win @ 12:42. She was followed by Kathie Perrins (42) @ 13:19 and Laura Esp (46) at 13:39. Old Chicks Rule!!!!!
The 5-mile proved to be an easy victory for Sarah Graves. Having finished 32nd at Boston only 3 weeks ago, she had a solid run of 31:07. Billings Runners Eryn Caton and Jen Reiter finished out the top 3 (32:08 & 32:35 respectively). Top master in the 5-Mile was Cathy McKenzie (42) of Powell, WY in 33:52.
The Muddy Buzzard.
Kiefer Hahn and Michele Bazanella take the 30K titles in 2:09.41 & 2:38.47 respectively. 4th and 6th overall went to the top 2 masters runners. Kyle Strode continues his breakout Master's season with a 2:20:46. Scott Gaiser continues to run solid and hit 2:26:04.
In the 12K, Nicole Hunt showed that she was no the worse for wear after her Bloomsday effort by taking a commanding victory in 57:16. Thomas Jodoin had another strong race by getting a 3 minute victory over Zack Strong (48:08 to 41:15). Greg Wirth rounded out the top 3 with a 54:14 effort.
On the same day - the extravaganza known as the Montana Women's Run took place in Billings. A new record turnout occurred with almost 7,000 women celebrating healthy lifestyles.
The 2-mile was dominated by Master's, as over 40 runners took the top 3 positons. 4-time Oly Trials Marathon competitor Karen Sanford Gall (48) took the win @ 12:42. She was followed by Kathie Perrins (42) @ 13:19 and Laura Esp (46) at 13:39. Old Chicks Rule!!!!!
The 5-mile proved to be an easy victory for Sarah Graves. Having finished 32nd at Boston only 3 weeks ago, she had a solid run of 31:07. Billings Runners Eryn Caton and Jen Reiter finished out the top 3 (32:08 & 32:35 respectively). Top master in the 5-Mile was Cathy McKenzie (42) of Powell, WY in 33:52.
The Muddy Buzzard.
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