The Pershing County track team pushed through a cold snap at Reed High School on Saturday. The stakes were high.
So were the jumps and leaps. As a result, 17 athletes advanced to the regional competition in Carson City this weekend.
“This week was all about performing when it matters,” said coach Ben Halverson. He and coach Chelsea Montes accompanied the team to Reno.
“We had high hopes for our athletes and they performed in line with our hopes and expectations. The weather didn’t cooperate so it wasn’t always pretty but our kids are competitors,” Halverson added. “We’ll be bringing 17 athletes to the regionals and hope to advance to the State championships.”
On the girls side, cousins Khloe and Hayley Montes qualified in the 4x100, 4x200 and 200-meter dash. Chelsea Woodard will represent
Pershing County in the 4x200 and long jump. Elizabeth Nava Gonzalez and Kenya Vaughan qualified in the 4x100 and Vaughan also qualified in the 4x200.
Twelve boys made the cut. First, the relays. Josiah Hunt, Izayuh McGlothin, Luis Sanchez, and Denzel Zaldivar will race in the 4x100 and 4x200.
Luis Sanchez, Zaldivar, Ashton Jimenez and Angelo Gibson will compete in the 4x400.
Jorden Fitch, Ramon Sanchez, Jimenez and Gibson qualified for the 4x800.
Zelaya will leap with the high jumpers. Tyrn Sam will compete in the long jump and discus.
Brian Kauvaka will compete in the shot put and discus. Howard Mitchell will compete in the discus.
Hunt qualified in the 100 and 200 meters and McGlothin and Luis Sanchez also qualified in the 200 meters. Jimenez and Gibson will race in the 400 meters and Jorden Fitch will run the mile.
The regional championships are at Carson High School) on Friday and Saturday. Carson hosts the state meet May 17-18.