Pershing County's Howard Mitchell waits to make his approach.
When the Pershing County High School track and field team competed in Yerington last week, two Mustang athletes became airborne for the first time in several years.
Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, pole vaulter Howard Mitchell cleared seven feet while Laura Gomez cleared five feet six inches.
“That’s definitely a great thing to see because it takes courage to try new things, especially when you’re the first one to do it in a while,” coach Ben Halverson said.
The last Mustang pole vaulters were Lilli Weatherman and Tad Milich from the Class of 2017.
Gomez also ran in the 300-meter hurdles, leading a group of Mustangs who will debut in hurdle events in the coming weeks.
Pershing County's Laura Gomez clears the bar in the pole vault at the Yerington Lions Invitational..
The logistics of athletes competing in multiple events pulls their coaches in many directions.
Halverson and coach Chelsea Montes are grateful to PCHS alums Karl Fredricks and Sarah Haynie for assisting the pole vaulters.
Meanwhile, alum Emilio Gomez has been working with the hurdlers while volleyball coach and teacher Monica Halverson helps with the throwers.
“They all have volunteered countless hours working with our athletes,” said Ben Halverson.
Angelo Gibson and Ashton Jimenez came in first and second, respectfully, in the 400 meters. Gibson ran the event in 51.8 seconds and Jimenez in 54.8 seconds.
Raegan Burrows won triple jump with a leap of 33 feet, 11.75 inches and was second in the 200 meters.
Chealse Woodard ran one of the best 200 meterss the coach has seen her run, with a personal record of 30 seconds.
This Saturday, March 22, the team competes in the 50th Annual Elks Invitational at Churchill County High School.