Trojan boys, Eagles girls win Region 48 meet in Baraga
BARAGA — Sophomore Elisa Delene provided a highlight for the Baraga girls, tying her school record with a winning jump of nine feet in the Division 3 regional track and field meet here on this sunny and warm Thursday afternoon.
“I think the temperature really helped,” she said. “Our runway isn’t in the greatest shape, but I’m sticking with the basics and doing what I can. I feel I’ve made some improvements. Consistency is the key. I feel pretty comfortable until I get into the higher heights. Although, I’m pretty proud of my consistency. I’m really looking forward to the Finals.”
Stephenson was crowned champion with 61 points, followed by Crystal Falls Forest Park 46, Felch North Dickinson 32 and L’Anse 22.
Forest Park took home the boys’ title with 63 points, followed by Stephenson 46, Baraga 23 and L’Anse 20.
Delene also helped Baraga place second in the 400 relay (57.45)
The L’Anse girls, comprised of all freshmen, won the 800 relay at 1:57.46.
Breyelle Bowers, who was part of that relay, added a first in long jump (13-9½) and placed second in the 100 (13.94).
Kwynn Voskul was runner-up in high jump (4-8). Sylvia Allen placed third in the 200 (29.71) and Princess Pierre took fourth in the 300 hurdles (53.28), all of whom were also part of the winning relay.
Stephenson was led by junior Faith Cappaert, who anchored the winning 3200 relay, and won the 400 (1:04.1) and 1600 (5:55.88) on the asphalt surface.
“This is a harder surface for sure,” Cappaert said. “It’s harder on the body. I had to wear a different type of shoes, although I qualified in all my event. I’m happy about that. I’m happy for Nora. She ran a nice race in the 800. I’m also happy with our 3200 relay. We have a strong team. I feel pretty confident.”
North Dickinson freshman Aunika Lindholm captured the 3200 in a personal-best 13:15.2 and took second in the 1600 (5:59.87) and fourth in both hurdle races.
“It feels like I ran pretty well,” she said. “I got a PR in the 3200. I’m pretty happy with that. I’m not quite where I really want to be, but I’ll take any progress I can. I’m building a little confidence, although there’s still a lot of competition.”
L’Anse sophomore Connor Kempainen swept the boys’ hurdles, taking the 110-meter race in 16.84 seconds and 300 (44.28).
Baraga senior Nolan Hendrickson copped the 100-meter dash in 12.26, placed second in high jump at 5-6 and anchored the second-place 400 relay.
Junior Matt Rinkinen, also part of the 400 relay, placed third for the Vikings in the 100 (12.49) and 200 (25.63) and sophomore Taven Lewis took third in shot put (39-11¼) as did senior Nate Sterbenz in discus (110-2).
Baraga junior Cole Roy qualified for the Upper Peninsula Finals by placing fourth the 400 (59.68). He and Lewis were also part of the 400 relay.
L’Anse freshman Reese Laitila was third in high jump (5-6) and fourth in the 200 (25.83) and anchored the second-place 800 relay.
Republic-Michigamme got all its points in long jump where juniors John Wheeler and Ken Ambuehl placed 1-2 at 16-10.
Stephenson junior Canon Kuntze was a triple-winner, taking the 800 (2:15.16), 1600 (4:55.33) and 3200 (11:28.38).
Forest Park was led by senior Kevin Guiliani, who took shot put (40-8¼) and discus (136-7). Sophomore brother Vic added firsts in high jump (5-8) and 200 (25.24).
Area teams visit Lake Linden-Hubbell for Monday’s Copper Mountain Conference meet.