Domination might be a word that some coaches shy away from by when the shoe fits…
The Smithers’ Secondary track and field team consists of male and female athletes from Grades 8 to 12 who have quietly been preparing for zone and provincial level competition with the support of their coaches. Previous meets leading up to the zone competition were encouraging as many personal bests were posted.
Senior athletes Jaydin Haskins and Ryan Williams have led the team in training and previous competitions but there was no way to tell what to expect at the zone championship. Members of the Gryphons squad posted five zone records and six were named top athlete in their division.
The Smithers’ team, competing against 107 competitors from seven schools, did amazingly well as they battled to determine the zone champion within each age group. When the dust settled, Smithers’ athletes had posted some excellent results.
New zone records were set by Kendal Zemenchik (Junior Girls hammer - 36.42m), Noel Kossman (Senior Boys 110m hurdles - 15.76 s), Mackinley Unruh (Junior Girls javelin - 31.57m), Ryan Williams (Senior Boys 800m - 2:01.80), and Logan Unruh (Grade 8 Girls javelin - 25.32m).
The following were named top athlete in the meet: Grade 8 Girls – Logan Unruh; Grade 8 Boys- Daniel LeCourt; Junior Girls - Haley Hanchard; Junior Boys – (tie) Konrad Thummerer - Smithers &Henry Vo – CHSS; Senior Girls - Hannah Pow; Senior Boys - Noel Kossman.
Smithers dominated as they captured the Zone Championship for Grade 8s, Juniors, Seniors and the overall Zone Track and Field Championship banner. In addition, 14 locals qualified for provincials and will be leaving this week for the Provincial Championships in Langley.
At this meet, Smithers’ athletes will be up against the best in the province where the coaching staff is hoping that they may squeak out a medal or two to go with more personal bests in their individual events.
The Smithers’ track and field staff, consisting of Ms. Barber, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Currie, and Ms. Doyle, is proud of all that they have accomplished together for, as much as track and field is an individual sport, “I’m proud to say that our team has come together to become a tight-knit group. Athletes on our team know that if they are competing, there is always someone there to cheer them on, help them with split times, and encourage them when things don’t go as planned. It has been a great pleasure to coach these athletes this year and I am excited to see how we will do at the Provincial Championships,” said head coach Cindy Thummerer.
- Submitted article
