The St. Clair Cyclones began the track season on the campus of Minnesota State University, where Mankato Loyola hosted an invitational meet at Myers Field House on March 26th. The competition was friendly as the teams’ tested their abilities against their neighboring schools. As the Cyclones warmed up to the competitive environment, head coach Ashley Swanson moved about the track, coaching and supporting her athletes through each event. Swanson was glad to be back in competition and hoped the Cyclones would learn a lot from the first meet.
The varsity girls placed in the top five in Shot Put, 800 meter run, 200 meter dash, and 55 meter dash. Brooklin Hinze placed second in the Long Jump and first in the 55 meter dash, an 8.28 second run. Valerie Quast took second in the 1600 meter run, 6:11.81. Kate Daly won first place in the High Jump. The St. Clair girls took first in the 4×200 meter relays.
The varsity boys had three top 5 finishes in the 400 meter dash. Alex Kruse took first in the Long Jump and followed by Jacob Olmanson in second place. Olmanson also took first in both the 55 meter and 200 meter dashes; 7.20 and 25.31. Peter Dumdei placed first in the 800 meter run; 2:23.27. Levi Thompson took first place in Shot Put.
Coach Swanson is hopeful that the athletes mentioned, along with Morgan Roemhildt, Delilah Quast and Bergan Loeffler, will be invaluable to the teams success and progress throughout the season. Their next meet will be an away visit to Mountain Lake before returning to MSU for a conference meet. The Cyclones veterans will be improve their standings while the younger athletes continue to find their place on the team. The season is coming at them fast, but with the support of Coach Swanson and her staff, the Cyclones are sure to endure and achieve success.
