hem track

By Kirk Hanna
Times staff writer
A combination of 22 boys and girls have been practicing with the Hanna Elk Mountain Medicine Bow track team.
A number which is lingering around the usual number of Miner spring athletes.
Head coach Jackie Jones said eight girls have been in attendance so far, and 14 boys have expressed their interest in running for the Miners.
“We’ve been very consistent with our numbers,” Jones said. The teams have a good mix of older and younger athletes. Jones said, “We have a couple senior boys who are out for track for the first time ever. And we’re definitely not going to turn bodies away.”
Among the returning athletes, Justin Palm is in his final year as a Miner. “He should have a great season for us,” Jones said. Palm competes in the field events including both throws — shot put and discus — and long jump and triple jump. “He may even continue with the 4 x 100-yard relay team,” which he’s done in the past, Jones said.
Emmett Vallot returns as a junior and is also strong in the throws, according to the head coach.
Travis Bohanan returns as a Miner distance runner. “He came into his own at the end of the season,” Jones said, “so we’ll look for big things from him this year.”
The youth comes into play with freshmen Charlie George, Mitch Long and Raymond Hohn. “Raymond should fill some open spots in the jumps for us,” Jones said. “And he was successful in the hurdles at the junior high level. He could take some lumps early, but he’s a hard worker,” so Jones thinks he’ll be a contributor throughout the season.
As for the girls team, Jones has a few seniors to lead the way.
Amanda Booth placed in the 100-, 200- and 400-yard dashes at the state meet, so Jones said, “I’m looking for real good things from her this season. We just need to fine tune a few aspects.”
Sarah McAtee returns as a thrower for the Miners and Audrianna Cruz returns as an all-around athlete. “Last year, (Cruz) ran some distance races for us,” Jones said, “and she ended up qualifying for state. ... She is a wonderful young lady to have around.”
Sarah Ferrell is another all-around athlete for Jones and the Miners. “She runs whatever race we put her in,” the head coach said. “Hopefully this year can have her strictly at middle distances.”
Another aspect to the season Jones is keeping her fingers crossed about is the weather. “So far we’ve just had the long distance kids running outside,” Jones said of the weather helping to expand their lungs.
HEM’s first meet is Saturday, March 29 at 8:30 a.m. in Guernsey.