Malta Track Teams Head to State

The Malta track and field teams competed at the Northern B Divisional Meet on Friday, May 17 through Saturday, May 18.

Five Mustangs and eight M-ettes qualified for the State B Track and Field Meet set to start on Thursday, May 23, and end on Saturday, May 25.

At the Northern B meet, the M-ettes were seventh out of the 12 women's teams at the Northern B divisional with 44 points and the Mustangs were eleventh of 12 men's teams with 14.5.

"At the divisional track meet, our goal was to go out, give our perfect effort, have fun, and get the job done," Malta Head Coach Shyla Clausen said. "The kids did just that!! The Mustangs and M-ettes were faced with horrible winds, adding an extra layer of difficulty to their events."

Though some fell short of placing, Coach Clausen was pleased with their efforts.

"We had so many athletes place or PR. The kids supported and cheered each other on, which just boosted the camaraderie and team spirit," Coach Clausen said. "Some might not have come away with a ribbon or a trip to state, but they each had personal "wins". To say I am proud is an understatement."

M-ettes

The Malta M-ettes were led by senior Giona Lamb. Lamb won the Northern B shot put event with a personal best of 38-3.50.

"There's not really any words that can describe what it feels like to have that title, but if I had to pick one, it would be amazing!" Lamb told the PCN. "Although, now I have a reputation to uphold when I go to state next weekend because I have a feeling people will know my name and will expect some things from me."

Lamb's throw put her second in the state rankings. Alexis Deming of Plains had a throw of 39-7 this year, which is the top throw so far in the state.

Lamb also set a personal best in discus of 99-3 and took fourth in the event. She was also sixth in javelin with a throw of 96-10.

Sophomore Denvyr Tuss won the discus title with a personal best of 112-9. Her throw ranks sixth in Class B.

Tuss also qualified in shot put with a season's best of 34-3. She was fourth in the event.

Sophomore Neva Jacobson was third in the 100 meter hurdles with a personal best of 17.54.

The short relay team consisting of Brooklynn Knowles (a sophomore), Jacobson, Kenzie LaBrie (a sophomore), and Addison Ulrich (a senior) punched their ticket to state with a time of 54.54. The team took fourth place.

Sophomore Kendall Clausen was fourth in javelin with a throw of 104-2.

Freshman Carly Mears was sixth in pole vault after clearing 8-0.

Mustangs

The Mustangs were led by senior Gavin Slade who took third place in javelin with a throw of 155-2.

Junior Mason Simanton took fifth place in the 100 with a personal best of 11.62 seconds. He was also fifth in high jump after clearing 5-4.

Sophomore TJ Siewing was fourth in shot put with a personal best of 44-7.75.

The short relay consisting of Slade, Kyle Darrington (a senior), Mason Sjostrom (a senior), and Simanton was sixth with a time of 46.90.