Pershing County's Angelo Gibson (right) beats Lincoln County's Tanner Bleak in a photo finish in the 800 meters at the NIAA 2A State Track and Field Championships in Carson City.
There were close contests at the 2024 State Track and Field Championships last weekend at Carson High School.
More than 1,000 athletes from four different classifications competed in the two-day event. They’d all qualified to compete at the state level.
But the closest contest was the 400-meter race between Angelo Gibson and Lincoln County senior Tanner Bleak.
Gibson prevailed by a tenth of a second (.01) at a speed of 50.41. Bleak clocked in at 50.42. It was a personal record for both athletes.
Pershing County's Chelsea Woodard lands in the sand during a long jump attempt.
Coach Ben Halverson remarked on Gibson’s growth over the season. He and coach Chelsea Montes accompanied the team to the State meet. Halverson coaches the distance runners and throwers while Montes focuses on the sprinters, high jump, long jump and hurdles.
“They say that championships are won in practice and nothing could be more true here. When the season started, Angelo’s personal best in the 400 was over 58 seconds, nowhere close to the top of the league, much less the State,” Halverson said.
Ashton Jimenez jumps into the arms of Denzel Zaldivar after the Pershing County 4x200 relay won the state championship.
“Rounding that last corner today, a little behind still, there was no way he was going to be denied. This was one of those wins where the tough practices where he ran until he was trembling on just some random Tuesday made the difference.”
Besides track, Gibson plays football and wrestles. He placed fourth in his weight range at State last fall. Gibson also medaled in the 800 meters and the 4x400 and 4x800 relays.
The boys 4x200 relay crossed the finish line ahead of the pack of seven other teams. It was no surprise. They were one of the fastest competitors in the 2A all season. They broke the school record at zone. Unfortunately, Izayuh McGlothin also suffered a hamstring injury that kept him from competing at State with his teammates, Luis Sanchez, Denzel Zaldivar, and Josiah Hunt.
Khloe Montes takes off in he 400 meters.
His absence was a blow to the 4x200 relay team. In past years it may have torpedoed their shot at the championship. Not this time.
“Fortunately for us, Ashton Jimenez was prepared to step in and give us a quality leg, enough to still win convincingly,” Halverson said. “It’s a testament to the depth we’re fortunate enough to have.” They finished at 1:34.08.
“We celebrate this accomplishment,” Halverson says. “We’re also highly motivated to come back strong next season so we can try to get Zay his moment.”
The coaches know the work McGlothin put in throughout the season. The PCHS junior also plays football and basketball.
“Most impressive was how he continued to support his squad through it all. I’m sure missing the opportunity to run at State was devastating. He demonstrated great character,” Halverson said.
Hunt, Jimenez, Zaldivar, Luis Sanchez and Gibson are State champions. McGlothin was also key to the 4x200 team’s success.
The 4X400 team of Gibson, Jimenez, Luis Sanchez and Denzel Zaldivar placed second behind Coral Academy. They also set a new school record (3:34.35).
In addition to the 400 meters, Gibson medaled in multiple relay events. So did Luis Sanchez, Ashton Jimenez, Josiah Hunt and Denzel Zaldivar. Ramon Sanchez and Jorden Fitch medaled in the 4x800 relay. Hunt placed second in the 200 meters (23.21).
On the girls side, Chelsea Woodard, Elizabeth Nava Gonzalez, and Kenya Vaughan each earned a medal. Cousins Khloe and Hayley Montes medaled twice.
The girls 4x100 relay team of Khloe Montes, Elizabeth Nava Gonzalez, Kenya Vaughan and Hayley Montes finished third out of eight teams (53.83). The 4x200 relay team of Khloe Montes, Vaughan, Chelsea Woodard and Hayley Montes finished second out of eight. (1:54.10).
“The girls worked hard all season on perfecting their hand-offs for the relays. They work well together and it paid off,” said coach Montes.
She says she enjoyed her first-ever experience as a coach.
“Coaching sprints for the boys and girls has been great. The relays and starting blocks add a fun touch to the events. I was also the high jump and long jump coach. Mike Brooks helped with the technical part of the long jump. I’m so proud of all the athletes,” she said.