One Nation, Under God

Middle School Teams See First Action of Season in Whitewater

With Phillips County High School Track grounded due to the windstorms that swept through the Hi-Line, the Johnson Memorial Track at Whitewater School saw the only track and field action of the week on Friday, April 8.

The meet featured nine middle schools including Whitewater, Malta, Dodson, Saco, Nashua, Turner, Glasgow, Hays LodgePole, and Hinsdale.

Malta, who featured a majority of their 63 athletes swept the meet, finishing first in each of the four age groupings including Girls 7th-8th, Girls 5th-6th, Boys 7th-8th, and Boys 5th-6th.

The PCN caught up with Coach Charlene Wasson, who is a coach for the Whitewater Middle School teams, and Shyla Clausen, who is one of the coaches for the Malta Middle School teams.

Coach Clausen broke downs Malta's roster to 19 sixth-graders, 19 seventh graders, and 25 eighth graders.

They, like most of the other teams, saw their first action of the season.

"Thanks to the wind and weather, we were only able to get six outdoor practices prior to our first meet," Coach Clausen said. "We could not have been prouder of how our kids rolled with the punches, went out, and gave it their all. Our veteran tracksters were great leaders at this meet who really helped out our younger kids."

Coach Clausen complimented Whitewater School for running an efficient meet. She was also very happy with how the Malta Middle School team performed.

"We are proud of all our kids at this meet," Coach Clausen said. "For our sixth graders, this was their first meet. They hustled to every event and stepped up to the challenge. The boys' and girls' teams in every age group placed first.

She was asked if any of her kids stood out, but she didn't take the bait.

"Honestly, there were so many kids that had such a great meet. We had kids trying new events, kids who ran their hardest to the point of their legs giving out, and kids who had lots of PRs in multiple events. The best part was seeing their smiles after their events or the encouragement and support they all gave each other."

Coach Clausen is one of five coaches for Malta this season. The team is led by Sue Gilkerson, who is the MMS Head Coach. Coach Gilkerson oversees the short-distance runners and relay teams. Coach Mardee Scott coaches the long-distance runners. Coach Kallie Rummel coaches our throwing events-discus, javelin, and shot. Coach Shyla Clausen coaches long, triple, and high jump. Coach Patrick Sargent coaches 8th-grade pole vault.

Coach Clausen and the team is appreciative of the athlete's parents for encouraging their children to participate in track and for their support at the meets.

Coach Charlene Wasson said that Whitewater Middle School Track consists of four girls and five boys. 8th Grade - Austin Hanley, Tyler Scheffelmear, Kennedy Simonson, and Sommer Green (injured). 7th Grade - Kenan LaBrie and Mylee Clark. 6th Grade - Rory Green, Samuel Simonson, and Gracie Wasson.

The Whitewater meet was Whitewater's first of the year.

"Our first meet was awesome," Coach Wasson said. "We had kids doing at least three events and most had four or five events at the track meet. I feel this group of kids comes to practice every day and work hard at what they want to accomplish. They aren't afraid to try new things."

The results for Phillips County athletes is listed in this week's PCN, and Coach Wasson was asked if any of her athletes stood out.

"I feel like all of them stood out to me. Tyler won the 400 and threw a PR in the discus, Austin looked very good doing his hurdles and jumps, and Kennedy looked strong in her running, triple jump, and discus," Coach Wasson said. "Sommer lent her hand helping in the long jump pit all day because she isn't able to compete with her knee injury. Kenan and Mylee threw well and were very confident in the rings."

She felt that Rory, Samuel, and Gracie looked like veterans considering that it was their first meet as sixth graders.

"We never had to remind anyone to get to an event. They were very responsible for getting themselves to where they needed to be when they needed to be there," Coach Wasson said. "I feel like they knew exactly what to do and just got the job done that day."

Whitewater is coached by Coach Carly Hammond, Coach Heidi Cummings, Coach McKinnon Little, and Coach Wasson.

Coach Hammond coaches pole vault, hurdles, and long and mid-distance. Coach Cummings is the throw coach, Coach Little is the team's floating coach.

 

Reader Comments(0)