The Oriole varsity Track and Field turned in a mix of strong performances and learning opportunities at the Bloomer Invite April 30, highlighted by a dominant showing from the girls team.
The Stanley-Boyd girls team claimed first place overall in an eight-team field, powered by multiple individual champions and a relay victory. Leading the way was Lula Chwala, who took first in the 300-meter low hurdles with 50.23, while Jocelyn Hager delivered a standout day with wins in both the 100-meter dash and the triple jump with marks of 12.90 and 34-3 respectively. Macie LaGrander added another title in the 200-meter dash with 28.26. Mallory Alger took second in the shotput with a distance of 31-4.75. Haylee Shakal took second in the 1600 meter run with a time of 6:22.93, while Lillian Fitzl placed third with a time of 6:35.22.
The relay team of Mariah Wehling, Lucy Wundrow, LilFitzl, and Shakal meanwhile secured a first-place finish in the 4x800-meter relay, helping seal the team victory with a time of 11:46.57.
On the boys side, Stanley-Boyd finished sixth.
Hunter Pennala placed second in the pole vault with a height of 9-6, while Jesse Allard placed second in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles with a time of 46.39. Allard placed fourth in the high jump with a mark of 5-6 as well as long jump with a distance of 17-2.25.
Several other Oriole boys placed fourth as well, with Hunter Ogle finishing in 2:24.20 for the 800 meter run, Cameron Natzke marking 11:22.61 in the 3200 meter run , Beckett Kohls finishing with a mark of 20.09 in the 110 meter hurdles, and the 4x100 meter relay team finishing with a time of 48.19.
Despite the strong results, coaches noted that cold and windy conditions impacted performances across the meet. Many teams adjusted lineups or limited participation, leading to less competitive fields in certain events.
Orioles varsity head track coach Robert Seidl shared more after results.
“This meet was not very competitive,” he said. “All of the coaches were concerned about the cold weather and either scratched athletes or ran them in different events. We did try to have some performance records, but times and distances were off.”
Seidl added that while the girls captured the team title, stronger competition is expected moving forward.
“The girls managed to win overall, but we are aware that Bloomer did not run all of their distance runners in their usual events, so a conference meet will be a lot harder,” he said. “The boys ran well but were not able to have very many high place finishes. We need warmer temps and less wind to see improvements.”
Competing at Abbotsford Tuesday, May 5, the Orioles next compete Friday at Oriole Park. Meet start is 4:00 p.m.