by Scott Sacry
The Florence girls track team won the Western B Divisional title at the Western B Divisional Track and Field Meet in Missoula on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23.
The Florence girls tied Loyola for first place, while Plains and Anaconda tied for 3rd, so there was no second place team. There were two first place trophies and two third place trophies – hopefully the meet organizers had the trophy guy on speed dial.
The Florence boys took home the third place trophy.
The top six individual finishers from the Western B Divisional qualify for the Class B State Track and Field Meet, which takes place at the MCPS Stadium in Missoula from Thursday, May 28, to Saturday, May 30.
Florence Girls Winners: Madigan Hurlbert won the 100m hurdles (14.78) and the 100m (12.59), and placed 5th in the javelin (97-09.50). To highlight how fast Hurlbert is running, the Class B state record in the girls 100m hurdles is 14.75 and she ran it in 14.78. Also for Florence, Brinley Skaggs won the long jump (16-10.50). The 4x100m relay team also took 1st place (49.84) with a team consisting of Taryn Appelhans, Madigan Hurlbert, Bailey Kroeker, and Brinley Skaggs.
Florence Boys Winners: Logan Williams won the 100m (10.84) and the 200m (21.91). To highlight how fast Williams is running, the Class B state record in the 100m is 10.87, and in the 200m it’s 22.00. Also for Florence, Sebastian Schroeder won the 1600m (4:32.69) and the 3200m (10:04.29). The 4x100m relay team also took 1st place (43.79) with a team consisting of Mattix Chase, Isaac Nicoson, Sam Falagan, and Logan Williams.
Florence Girls Top Six Finishers: Brinley Skaggs took 2nd in the 200m (26.34), 2nd in the high jump (4-10.00), and 4th in the 100m (12.83). Sophia Stiegler finished 3rd in the high jump (4-08.00) and 4th in the triple jump (32-02.50). Taryn Appelhans secured 3rd in the shot put (30-06.00). Bailey Kroeker placed 4th in the 200m (27.59) and 5th in the 100m (13.10). Lola Bates took 3rd in the 3200m (14:03.86), followed by Averie Bates in 5th (14:08.01). The 4x400m relay team finished 4th (4:32.28) with a lineup of Zoey Wyles, Taryn Appelhans, Nichole Navarro, and Karolina Palivcova.
Florence Boys Top Six Finishers: Jack Archibald placed 3rd in the shot put (40-09.00), 3rd in the javelin (154-00), and 5th in the discus (128-04). Jonathan Williams took 3rd in the discus (132-02) and 4th in the shot put (40-00.00). Sam Falagan finished 3rd in the long jump (20-09.00). Isaac Nicoson placed 4th in the 400m (50.36) and 5th in the 200m (23.37). Caden Miller finished 6th in the 800m (2:10.96). The 4x400m relay team took 5th (3:39.74) with a lineup of Sam Falagan, Landon Sirevaag, Sebastian Schroeder, and Caden Miller.