| Patricia Smith runs in one of the several events she competed in at the state finals on May 16. |
On May 16 the Carbon track team loaded up and took on the competition at the state tournament. The event hosted by Brigham Young University included students from all classifications in the state, one through 5A.
“We started out the day with Patricia Smith taking seventh,” said assistant coach Stew Foster. “She did so in the 1600 meter run. Patricia had a personal best time of 5:28.24. She out ran four other girls in the last 100 meters of the race. She just has so much pride and determination in everything she does.”
Kent Olsen ran the boys 1600 meter race and placed 14. Olsen also had a personal best time and finished in a group of six other athletes that were close to each other at the finish.
Ryan Rasmussen placed eighth in the boys high jump event, which meant that he counted points toward his teams score.
According to Foster, Felicia Olmos had some great jumps in the girls long jump event. She placed third and was close to second and first place. Olmos jump 17’6″, two feet further than she had all year.
“It was like Popeye taking a can of spinach before some physical feat,” said Foster. “She really popped out some great jumps.”
Brett Wells and Brock Morley qualified in the 300 meter hurdles on Friday with Morley in seventh and Wells in eighth. Both boys got themselves mentally prepared for the finals on Saturday, according to Foster. In the finals, Wells took seventh and Morley overcame three other athletes in the last five yards to take fifth and a medal.
“It was really neat to watch these two athletes,” said Foster.
| A Carbon boys high jumper clears the bar during state competition. |
On Saturday, Smith ran to a seventh place finish in the girls 800 meter with a time of 2:23.
Olson and Jared Richens ran well in the boys 800 meter finals and placed 12 and 14 respectively.
Megan Garvin tied for sixth place in the girls high jump where she is a consistent performer.
“In the 4X400 meter relay, we needed eighth to get points,” said Foster. “And we were seated 11. All the girls had to run personal best times.”
Karrisa Nelson started the team of with a 63 second 400, Kydia Jeppson ran 67, then Olmos and Smith finished with 61 second runs to take that eighth spot.
“Every girl out did themselves,” said Foster.
The boys fell one place short in their bid and finished ninth place. The boys team consisted of Robert Lowe, Wells, Morley and Chris Rummell. All the boys also ran personal best times.
“The kids are already looking forward to next year,” said Foster. “The coaches are really excited watching the kids run the relays.”