Track
Awards
Shown are the high school track award winners. From left are Theresa Wemhoff, girls Pirate Award; Chaye Uptmor, girls runner of the year; Madison Ulmer, girls field events award; Ciara Chaffee, girls Rookie of the year; Ryan Glimp, boys field events award; Anthony Karel, boys Pirate Award; Sean Spencer, boys runner of the year; and Patrick Chmelik, “Prairie Patriot” Award. Not pictured is Caleb McGee, boys Rookie of the Year. This year was exceptional in the effort put forth by a group of more than thirty 7th and 8th graders. It was also the hardest year I have experienced as far as weather. In between rain and snow showers this group of athletes put in the work to become a formable competitor for all the other teams. The boys team consistently outscored all the teams our size and topped Asotin and ran within a few points of the larger Grangeville school. Boys team members included, Alex McElroy, Blake Uptmor, Brody Hasselstrom, Cole Martin, Conner Schwartz, Dean Johnson, Jesse Cronan, John Gehring, Justin Lockett, Kyle Schwartz, Lane Remacle, Lane Schumacher, Matt Coppernoll, TJ Hibbard, Tristin Staneart, Wade Goeckner, Wyatt Ross, Zac Arnzen and Zach Rambo. Each one of these young men improved during the season and had personal bests that they should be proud of. Breaking Junior High Records were Cole Martin in the 100, 200 and 400 meter races along with being part of the new 4x100 relay team record. John Gehring, Dean Johnson and Brody Hasselstrom were the other 3 legs of this record breaking group. Good handoffs allowed them to break the old record by a half second. TJ Hibbard broke the 800-meter record by 7 seconds and should see an opportunity to work hard next year to see if he can lower that record time. Also on the record breaking theme, Dean Johnson found the Shot Put and the Discus to his liking. He broke both records at the last meet of the year with throws of 40 feet in the shot and 126 plus feet in the discus. This group of 8th graders show promise for the High School team next year and the 7th graders show great promise to continue our very successful program at the Junior High level. The girls team this year was on the young side. With a few injuries keeping some of our returning runners out of the competition this year, the girls team had to really build all season long. A few 8th graders with a new bunch of 7th graders gained experience and belief in their abilities all season. This group worked hard and I think surprised themselves at just how talented they are. The girls team consisted of Delanie Lockett, Jade Gehring, Josie Remacle, Kerri Villamor, Laney Forsmann, Mattie Lustig, Molly Johnson, Olivia Klaprich, Sierra McWilliams, Trinity Matinez, Madison Shears and Ellea Uhlenkott. Personal bests happened all season long and as a coach, I can’t even explain the amount of growth and belief in themselves I saw out there. Records are hard to break and none were on the girls side but the potential is there next year at the Junior High Level. I know that the High School girls team (The State Championship Team) will be gaining some new highly talented and enthusiastic freshman and I can see that for years to come. With a new track and the dedication these kids have, I hope our community gets the opportunity to see how good our kids are in such a highly competitive sport. Thank you to all the athletes and to all the parents for making this a great season. Also thank you to Taylor Schaffer and Jenny Arnzen for helping me to get these kids to do amazing things to understand that it’s not all about winning. It is more about making yourself better each and every day. Glenn Poxleitner 
Prairie Junior High Team is shown wearing new uniforms paid for by the Prairie Booster Club an Glenn and Loretta Poxleitner. The team and coaches appreciate having new Jerseys that have us all matching. What an outstanding group of young athletes. Photo provided by Glenn Poxleitner. |
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