Star-studded Cal Wearley kicks off busy track week in Havre

One of the biggest, and best track meets of the season always come near the beginning. That would be the annual Cal Wearley Invitational, hosted by North Star High School.

The track meet usually attracts upwards of 30 teams ranging from Class A Havre, to all of the District 9C, and this year’s version will be all of that and more, as it kicks off Wednesday morning at the Havre Middle School Track.

The Cal Wearley, hosted by the Knights, will again feature all of the District 9C, and that includes track powerhouse Fort Benton. Chinook, North Star, Big Sandy and Chester-Joplin-Inverness, all of which will also be tough on the track and in the field this season.

The meet will also be headlined by the Havre Blue Ponies, under head coach Kari Filius. Not yet at full strength, the Ponies got a first-place finish from the boys and a top five from the girls at the season-opening Glasgow Invite last Friday. This is a big week for Havre as it will also host the Lions Havre Invite Saturday.

Area teams from Rocky Boy and Harlem, will join Malta and others Class B schools in attendance, while plenty of other Class B and C schools make up what will be a top field.

Of course, weather will always play a factor in track meets and Wednesday’s weather looks rough as high winds and colder temperatures are set to stay in the area.

Still, for now, the annual Cal Wearley is on, and it is, as mentioned, one of the biggest and best early-season track meets in Montana each year. And as always, Campbell is looking forward to much more than just the great competition.

“The relationships that are developed between the coaches and the athletes in this area are special,” Campbell said. “We get to spend time outside competing together and I enjoy the camaraderie.”

The Cal Wearley is set to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Havre Middle School Track.