Columbia Falls Invitational opens track and field season Saturday

Mother Nature might not be very cooperative, but the track and field season is scheduled to begin Saturday at the Columbia Falls Invitational. It's a scored time trial meet that will include anywhere from eight to 15 schools. Events begin at 10 a.m., weather permitting.

It will be the only action for the C-Falls athletes until the Flathead Time Trials on April 14 in Kalispell due to Spring Break in District 6 from April 6-10.

Returning head coach Jamie Heinz and his assistants certainly have the numbers, with 80 boys and 55 girls out for track.

It's not unusual that Montana track teams do not get much comprehensive practice time outdoors in March, and winter-like weather has continued into April — leaving the C-Falls Invite at risk.

C-Falls lost nearly all its state points via graduation, but has quality as well as quantity this season.

WITH SENIOR Stephen Baumgartner and junior John Woody, the Wildcat boys have some speed.

Junior Dean Phillips is "on a mission" to place at state in the triple jump, according to Heinz, and Nathan Thompson is gearing for similar success in that event and the javelin. Juniors Justin Livingston and Sam Negron also throw the javelin.

Juniors Shawn Whitman and Patric Jessat are C-Falls' top distance runners. They could be right behind Drew Cocco of Whitefish in the distances at the state meet. Junior Anthony Hoelscher can run right with Whitman and Jessat.

Junior Kyle Howell could be a surprise in the high jump and triple jump. Sophomore Kaleb Johnson should be strong in the 400 and both hurdle races.

SENIORS ALYSSA Ladenburg and Ketti Wilhelm lead the Wildkat girls into the season.

Ladenburg could be a consistent scorer in the long jump and 100, and might throw the javelin. She'll also be in the 4x100 relay.

Heinz said Wilhelm is stronger than last year and should fare well in the high jump and pole vault.

The coach said Sophia Lewis-Peterson and McKenzie Reeve are both looking good in practice. Reeve wasn't varsity-elibigle last season. Both will run the hurdle races, sprints and short relays.

Heinz looks for senior Nikki Elek to score in the 100 and run the 4x400.

The DeWit sisters — junior Kelsey and sophomore Kayla — "found their niche in the jumps last year," Heinz said, speaking of the high jump and triple jump.

"We have some really good freshman girls who seem to have some speed, but we don't know where they'll fit," Heinz said.

Heinz coaches the jumpers. His assistants are: Jessica Falcon, throwers; Stephen Gasche, distance; Wes Knutson, pole vault; and Kati Knutson, sprints and hurdles.