We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The final week of the 2022-23 Athletic Calendar concluded this past weekend. The Chinook Sugarbeeters and Turner Tornadoes were in Laurel for the Class C State Track and Field meet while the Harlem Wildcats were in Butte for the Class B State meet. The 'Beeter boys secured a third place finish in Laurel, the best ever finish for the boys program
Senior Brenden Fetter turned in an effort never seen before in Chinook Boys Track and Field. Fetter took home gold in the 100 Meter, 200 Meter and Long Jump and added a third place finish in the Triple Jump. Fetter joined teammates Tyler Schoen, Carson Nissan and Braxton Inman to finish third in the boys 4x100 Meter relay. Senior Anna Terry crushed her best effort in the girls 3,200 Meter run, finishing sixth with a time of 12:04.46,
Fetter sat in sixth with one jump remaining Friday in the Long Jump when he turned in a successful mark of 21'10" to claim the win. In the 100 Meter dash Fetter timed his lean perfectly for a photo finish :00.01 win with a time of 0:11.48. Fetter came right back moments later and captured the 200 meter title with a time of :22.86.
The 'Beeters were also represented by Hallie Neibauer, Neva Lowe, Alexus Seymour, Hannah Schoen, Belle Elliot, Levi Jensen, Oliver Standiford and Landon Beck at the State C.
Chinook Head Coach, Kendall Harwood could hardly contain himself, "We knew going into the meet we were in the running for a team trophy with the boys but it was going to be very close. During the team meeting we revealed this to the boys team. We said as things stand after divisional we are projected one point behind Lustre Christian and 11 behind Belt for second. The team seemed to be inspired by this, and they went to work Friday morning." Harwood added, "The girls team also gave it their best. The competition was stiff but I saw each girl go out strong."
Harwood went on to say, "Anna had an amazing 3200 meters. Neva has amazing racing intelligence. You can see her make all the right moves at the right time in her races. Hallie didn't quite get the time she was hoping for but still had a record breaking season for the lady Beeters. Hannah Schoen is going to be a beast in the next few years. She is probably the most focused thrower I have ever seen on the team. Alexus Seymour worked hard this year and has a ton of potential in her next two seasons. I expect to see more of the girls getting state medals next year."
Harwood wasn't surprised by what he saw from his record setter, "Saturday, Fetter had quiet the determination to go out and put on a show. The Triple Jump, 100 meter finals and 200 meter finals all took place within about an hour of each other. After Fetter checked into the Triple Jump he had to jog over and set his blocks for the 100 meter finals. He had a great start and finished strong. From my angle I was ecstatic with what we thought was a close 2nd place finish. When he came to the fence and informed me he got first by .01 I almost couldn't believe it. His lean was a thing of beauty and got him his second state championship. After getting in 3 Triple jumps, he had to turn around and run the 200m. Fetter turned on the jets and got his 3rd gold."
Harwood concluded by saying, "After that anyone would be exhausted. I have no doubt Fetter would've brought home another 1st but the fatigue set in and he landed an important 3rd place to secure the team a 3rd place state finish topping Lustre Christian by 2 points."
The Harlem Wildcats and Lady Cats were in Butte this past weekend competing in the Class B State Track and Field meet being held at Bulldog Memorial stadium. Senior Keonna Medicine Bear turned in another spectacular effort in the High Jump. Medicine Bear cleared 5'0" but just couldn't clear 5'2" and earned second. Eighth grader Branlin Foote shined for the Wildcats as well. Foote finishing top 10 at State as an eighth grader can't be understated.
Harlem Head Coach, Kim Faulkinerry commented on her teams effort in Butte, "Keonna jumped very well on Saturday at the state meet in Butte! She and the girl from Baker cleared 5'0" on their first attempt. I knew she was going to make the podium at that point. The girl from Baker cleared 5'2" on her third attempt and Keonna just missed. Keonna had a great day and earned her way on to that podium as a State runner-up!"
Faulkinberry added, "Branlin Foote ran a 10:30 in the 3200m and finished 9th placing him in the top 10 as an eighth grader. He also competed well in the 1600m the previous day. He will be back for 4 more years and is going to be fun to watch. Kaitlyn Johnson competed well for us in the 100 hurdles, 300m hurdles, 200m and the relay. Landen Gray also competed well in the high jump and triple jump. He had a goal at the beginning of the season to make it to state. Desiree Smith and Raelynne Briere ran the short relay with Keonna and Kaitlyn and competed hard. Izzy Baker was an alternate to the relay team.
"Every single athlete competed well and represented our school and community amazingly well! I would like to thank my coaching staff, Lyle Faulkinberry, Brian Hammett, Brenna King and Paul Condon, for a great season. You all made my job easier and were great mentors to all of our athletes throughout the season!"
The Turner Tornadoes were represented at the Class C Boys and Girls Track and Field State meet in Billings by junior Ryan Doyle and freshman Bridgette Reed. Doyle placed third in the 800 Meters and seventh in the 400 meter run. Reed competed in four events at state, making finals in the 100 (8th), 300 meter hurdles (10th), Reed established personal best times in 400, 100 and 200.
Congratulations to all of our Blaine County athletes!
