Postseason track begins with 9C meet Wednesday

Just three weeks ago, the Havre Middle School track wasn't usable due to too much snow still sitting on the surface and the infield. Now however, the HMS track is ready to host its biggest meet of the spring.

Wednesday, every team in the area will gather in Havre for the annual District 9C track meet. The event will start at 9 a.m. with spots on in next week's Northern C Divisional on the line.

Of course, postseason track has a little different look this season, as regular season qualifying marks are also used for the upcoming state meet. Still, the 9C track meet is one of the most exciting meets of the Class C postseason, and this one should be no different.

On the girls side, the defending Class C state champion Fort Benton Longhorns will be heavy favorites to repeat in Havre, after winning the 9C title in a romp a year ago. Maddie Thompson, Leah Gannon, the Clark sisters, Nicole Axtman and Aspen Geise are among the many standouts for the Longhorns, and many of them are already prequalified for the state meet later this month.

By sheer talent and numbers, Fort Benton will likely run away with the 9C girls title Wednesday. But, there's still plenty up for grabs for the likes of Chinook, led by Megan Molyneaux, as well as North Star, Chester-Joplin-Inverness, Turner, Big Sandy, Box Elder and Hays-Lodge Pole.

And while Fort Benton is the dominant force in the girls race, the 9C boys title is much more up for grabs. North Star is a strong contender with senior Dylan Miller expected to have a big day in Havre. However, Turner, led by Eddie Harmon and Cody Welsh, could also have something to say about the team title. Trajun Hannum is a standout for Chinook, which also figures to be in the mix as well.

The 2018 District 9C track meet will begin Wednesday morning at the Havre Middle School Track. The top six athletes will advance to next Thursday's Northern C Divisional in Great Falls. The Class C state meet is also set for May 25-26 in Great Falls.