HHS tracksters headed to Belgrade

After an unusually long wait to start the season, the Havre High track teams got their seasons started last Monday in Glasgow and Saturday, both Blue Pony teams will take part in the Gallatin Valley Invitational in Belgrade.

The Ponies, led by head coach John Ita, annually attend the meet in Belgrade. However, they normally have a few more meets under their belt by the time they do so, which means this time around, Havre will be playing a little bit of catch as it gets set to compete against 25 other teams Saturday morning at 9:30.

While the Glasgow Qualifier was the first meet of the season, the Havre girls wasted no time showing they are in mid-season form, after finishing second at the meet last Monday. Only Glasgow, the host team scored more points than the Ponies, who racked up points in a multitude of events.

In the sprints, Havre got solid performances from runners such as Katie Wirtzberger, Jessa Chvilicek, Grace Loftus and Taylor Torgerson. Others such as Loy Waid, Loni Waid, Ireland Coyne and Kyndall Keller are others who could see action in the 100, 200 and 400-meter dashes.

In the longer running events, the Havre girls also have some strong representation with 800-meter runner Britton Paulson, as well as Kaylee Nystrom, who runs the mile and is committed to run for the Montana State University-Northern cross country team next season. Coyne and Logan Huebsch are also strong point-getters for Havre in the hurdles, while Jordan Keith is the top threat to place in the throwing events after placing in the shot put in Glasgow. Coyne was also the 100-meter hurdle champion at the same meet.

Another area where the Havre girls excel is the jumping events. Sarah Faber notched a second Monday in Glasgow, while others such as Chvilicek, Waid and Amelia Beard also found their way onto the podium.

As far as the boys are concerned, there isn't as much depth, but the Ponies are led by Ivar Aageson, who is coming off a strong showing in Glasgow that saw him win the long jump and finish second in the high jump, while also finishing third in the 300 hurdles. Cole Watson and Andrew Boucher are two others that should have a chance to score points. Watson placed in the 200 Monday. Boucher, on the other hand, finished third in the 400 and fourth in the 200.

In the distance events, Jakob Keller is an experienced runner who will compete in the 800 and the 1,600. Other runners such as Dylan Young and Noah Azure also give Havre some depth at those spots. Another athlete to watch is Preston Glock, who placed in the 110 hurdles earlier this week.

After taking on mostly Class B and Class C schools in Glasgow, Havre will have a chance to square off against plenty of Class A competition this week, with Dillon, Belgrade, Billings Central, Lewistown, Hardin, Laurel and Livingston all set to be in attendance.

The action Saturday at the Gallatin Valley Invitational will get underway at 9:30 a.m.