Troy track and field turns in strong showing at Eureka meet
Despite early season conditions, the Troy High School track and field team still put up an impressive performance at the TerriFic and FanTastic Meet in Eureka on Friday, March 28, with several top finishes.
Both the boys and girls squads turned in multiple podium placements, with first-place performances in distance and field events and strong depth across sprints and jumps.
“I'm impressed with the willingness of our kids to compete in multiple events,” Troy Head Track Coach Jeff Hawk said. “In track and field, most events are very technical and require a great deal of time and repetition to feel confident competing.”
Hawk told his athletes at the beginning of the year to be open to trying new events, and they’ll find hidden talents they didn’t know existed.
“The fact that many of our athletes placed in multiple events and made personal records allows them to see tangible improvement and provides the inspiration and drive to make more personal bests,” Hawk said. “ I couldn't be happier with our team and the effort and teamwork they have shown.”
Boys: Gillespie, Sloan Shine in Multi-Event Efforts
Sophomore Michael Gillespie led the Trojan boys with a victory in the 1,600-meter run, crossing the finish line in 6:03.33. Gillespie also showed off his versatility by finishing third in the 100-meter dash (13.00) and grabbing third in the long jump (16-1).
Senior Kempton Sloan also made his mark on the meet with a second-place finish in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 8 inches. Sloan added a runner-up spot in the long jump (17-3.5) and placed fourth in the 200-meter dash (26.02), showing that Troy has yet another multi-purpose athlete.
“I'm impressed and proud with our upper-class men's leadership,” Hawk said. “They have set the tone with their relentless work ethic and self-motivated drive to improve. More importantly, they demonstrate selfless sacrifice by taking time to help their teammates improve in events, but also serve as such excellent and positive role models for our younger athletes to emulate.
Daniel Rebo was another key contributor, finishing fourth in the 400-meter run (1:06.65), eighth in the 100-meter dash, and seventh in the discus. His workload highlighted the team’s balance between track and field events.
In the throws, Conner Powell placed fourth in shot put (32-9.5) and earned top-eight finishes in both the discus (57-3) and javelin (67-4), proving to be a solid point-getter for the Trojans in the throws.
“I've learned that our team is just touching the surface of their potential,” Hawk said. “In the early part of the season, especially for our younger or inexperienced kids, they are trying new events for the first time. It's very exciting for each new track meet to see what they will do next.”
Girls: Meyers, Rogers, Heileson Lead the Charge
On the girls’ side, distance standout Jaylee Meyers stole the spotlight by sweeping the 1,600-meter (6:38.53) and 3,200-meter (14:06.91) runs. Meyers also contributed in the high jump, finishing third (3-8) to round out an impressive three-event day.
Senior Cortenie Rogers had a big day in the jumps, taking first in the triple jump (29-8.5) and second in the long jump (14-1).
Sprinter Jessie Heileson impressed in the short distances, taking third in the 100-meter dash (15.00) and second in the 200-meter (31.47), while also grabbing third in the long jump (13-4.5).
Meanwhile, sophomore Sylvia Hofer showed potential by finishing fourth in the 100-meter dash (15.55), giving the Trojans another promising name in the sprint group.
A Promising Start to the Season
The meet in Eureka showcased how Troy athletes can score points across multiple event types. While still early, it looks like the Trojans could have depth in several types of track and field events, which bodes well for team scoring.
“I want to thank the Bonners Ferry and Eureka administration and coaching staff for providing such quality track meets,” Hawk said. “It was very beneficial for our student-athletes to have quality track meet repetitions before we get into our bigger meets.”
Troy will compete at the Bigfork Invitational this Saturday in their third meet of the season.
Eureka Meet
BOYS
100-meter run
3 - Michael Gillespie (13.00)
8 - Daniel Rebo (14.07)
200-meter run
4 - Kempton Sloan (26.02)
400-meter run
4 - Daniel Rebo (1:06.65)
1,600-meter run
1 - Michael Gillespie (6:03.33)
Shot Put
4 - Conner Powell (32-9.5)
Discus
7 - Daniel Rebo (63-06)
8 - Conner Powell (57-03)
Javelin
7 - Conner Powell (67-04)
High Jump
2 - Kempton Sloan (5-8)
Long Jump
2 - Kempton Sloan (17-3.5)
3 - Michael Gillespie (16-1)
GIRLS
100-meter run
3 - Jessie Heileson (15.00)
4 - Slyvia Hofer (15.55)
200-meter run
2 - Jessie Heileson (31.47)
1,600-meter run
1 - Jaylee Meyers (6:38.53)
3,200-meter run
1 - Jaylee Meyers (14:06.91)
High Jump
3 - Jaylee Meyers (3-8)
Long Jump
2 - Cortenie Rogers (14-1)
3 - Jessie Heileson (13-4.5)
Triple Jump
1 - Cortenie Rogers (29-8.5)