Talent runs deep in Polson track, field
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POLSON – A small, young but talented team is how junior Chadelle Smith described the Polson girls and boys track team. The Pirates and Lady Pirates showed just how dominating they are on Tuesday, May 3 at the Lake County Invitational where both teams outscored their opponents by more than 60 points.
“We lost a lot of seniors that were big scorers for us,” Smith said. “We have been working harder this year to make up those lost points.”
Smith contributed 30 points to the Lady Pirate’s overall 192.7 total. She placed third in the 100-meter and 200-meter run and was part of the 4x100 relay, which took first, and 4x400, which placed second.
“I am hoping to qualify for state in the triple jump,” Smith said. She put in many hours before the season started by competing at indoor track meets around the state. Smith also spends time in the weight room, on her own terms, getting stronger for her events.
“I am really pushing myself this year and can tell the hard work is paying off,” she said.
Head Coach Mike Ellis is excited to see strong senior leadership and the underclassman stepping up.
“My biggest thing is that the athletes are improving every meet,” Ellis said. “I want them to be hitting their strides on the track as well as the field.”
One promising underclassman, Parker Toth, is making huge contributions in the relays and jumps.
“I want to get out the blocks faster,” Toth said. “That, and find some more confidence.”
The Pirates 4x100 relay consisting of Danny DiGiallonardo, Matthew Rensvold, Colton Cote and Tanner Wilson got a personal best with a time of 44.12, which is the fastest 4x100 relay time recorded in Class A this year.
“Our relay is really strong,” DiGiallonardo said. “We are all very competitive and want to win.”
With a team full of talent, they often find themselves competing against one another for the top spot, according to Ellis.
Cote placed first in the 300 hurdles, but DiGiallonardo was a close second. Cote placed second to teammate Jacob Clairmont in the 110 hurdles. Rensvold beat teammates Wilson and Cote in the 200-meter dash. Wilson finished third in the 100-meter dash and outkicked DiGiallonardo.
“We all compete against one another,” DiGiallonardo said. “It can get pretty intense, but it is also fun.”
On the field, it was Lady Pirate Erin Sampson scoring the most points in the throw events. Sampson scored 22 points, placing second in shot put and javelin and third in discus.
With a well-rounded team, Smith is hoping to finish strong.
“I think we all want to do well for each other, and for ourselves,” Smith said. “We have to just focus on getting better.”
The Polson track and field team will host the ABC Invitational on Saturday, May 14 starting at 9:30 a.m.
