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Smithers track athletes qualify for BC Summer Games

Smithers track stars’ were hard at work last weekend trying to qualify for the BC Summer Games, in Surrey July 19-22.
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Alyssa Margerm of Houston

Smithers track stars’ were hard at work last weekend trying to qualify for the BC Summer Games, in Surrey July 19-22.

With only a handful of competitors, Smithers had a number of athletes posted numerous best times to qualify for the summer games.

Lukas Groves landed a 30-yard discus throw to qualify, crediting his fondness for throwing just about anything.

“I just throw stuff often I guess,” Groves said. “I took the few weeks that we had with Mr. Currie and really learned the technique.”

Since the competition at BC Summer Games is some of the best in the province, Groves still has some reservations about his chances in July.

“I’m assuming I’m not going to do very well,” he said. “I just want to go to the summer games because it was really fun last time.”

Whatever their reservations, Smithers athletes have a good chance to bring home some hardware and head coach Neal Currie knows they’ll be ready in two months time as long as they keep up with training.

“We’re just hoping to keep improving,” Currie said. “We have almost two months before the games, so we have time to drop our times. We’re just trying to get everyone in the best shape for the Games.”

Clinching top victories for Smithers and qualifying for BC Summer Games started with Ashlynn Jackson, who placed third in the 100-metre dash, after claiming third in the 80-metre hurdles event.

Ashley Pence finished first in the 1,200-metre long distance race as well as second in both the 800 and 2000-metre races.

Alyssa Margerm placed second in the 1,500 metre steeplechase.

Janay Ma and Haley Allen made their mark, placing first and second, respectively, in the 80-metre hurdles as well as the 200-metre hurdles, some of the most exciting competition of the tournament.