Pits and push offs, a lot of sweat, and maybe a few tears – all the highs and lows have made the field squad of the Bulldogs track and field team a tightly knit group. Adding in practice, encouragement, and experience has allowed the athletes, regardless of the competition, to raise the bar.
At the annual Watoma Meet in Watertown on April 24, Ethan Seyer took first place in the Long Jump and second place in the Triple Jump. Lawson Novy tossed the shot 50’ 7’ to land at No. 8 on the varsity all-time records list. Eighth-grader Susie Schuneman took third in the girls Long Jump and simultaneously moved into No. 5 on the varsity records list.
Lady Bulldog Jacy Dexter, who received an invitation to the Howard Wood meet to be held in Sioux Falls this weekend, put up a 10-foot vault at Watoma to take sixth place. Sam Rick was also selected to compete at Howard Wood.
Bryton Blauert earned an invitation to Howard Wood. He took seventh at Watoma with his vault of 12’ 6” and powered his way into seventh place in the MHS all-time records.
Max Scoular joined the record book at No.10 by recording a vault of 12 feet.
Andrew Karels surpassed his former personal best score by leaping 11 feet.
John Trevett, coach of the MHS pole vaulters, did not seem surprised that Blauert, Scoular, and Karels – all sophomores – were mirroring each other’s success. The three “MHSketeers” have forged a deep bond over their years on the team together.
Bryton started jumping when he was in the sixth grade. Andrew and Max joined him when they were all in seventh grade.
Trevett says, “All three boys are very dedicated and don’t like to lose to the bar!” Trevett also noted, “The boys squad is very strong in Class A. Three Bulldogs are ranked in the top eight. “
Trevett also predicts, “We are poised to be in the top eight for the next few years.” Andrew continues to get better with each practice, and we have added seventh- grader Brady Ericsson to the team. Ericsson finished at No. 4 in the state for his age group in the indoor track season this year .He cleared 9’1” at the South Dakota National Guard Meet.”
The Top Middle School Vaulters in South Dakota
- Micah Reede of Lemmon – 11’ 6’ (8th Grade)
- Bryson Miller of Madison – 9’ 6” (8th Grade)
- Drew Mellegaard of Ethan-Parkston 9’ 3” (8th Grade)
- Brady Ericsson of Milbank 9’ 1” (7th Grade)
- Tegan Jensen of Brookings – 9’ 0” (8th Grade)
MHS Results from the Watoma Meet at Watertown:
Although not everyone on the team has hit a high note lately, they are all gaining ground as the season draws to a close. Next year promises to be another great year with even more athletes coming into the limelight.
What’s happening this weekend? Select athletes will compete in the Howard Wood Relays in Sioux Falls on Friday and Saturday, May 1-2. The Bulldogs Track and Field team will also be competing in an invitational at Sisseton.
Submitted Photos: Top- Andrew Karels, Bryton Blauert, and Max Scoular.
Staff
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