Quintana repeats as State Champion

LAKEWOOD — The state track and field championship events are over, and John Mall Panther Garrett Quintana shook off some tough competition, including last year’s 3A state champion, Austin Williams of Cedar Ridge. Quintana won the 2A title again as the state discus champion with a personal best throw of personal of 164-09 feet, 16 feet better than his nearest competitor. Williams was no threat as he placed third with 147-03 feet. Panther and teammate Andrew Vigil came in fourth at 141-1 feet. Not only did Quintana have the best throw in 2A, he also outthrew three of the other top four champions in 1A, 3A, 4A and 5A. The best discus throw came from 5A champion Adrian Bunker of Rampart who threw 164-10 feet. Quintana’s throw came on his first throw in the qualifying round, which set the standard of what needed to be done to become a champion. Unlike last year, when his winning throw came on the final toss, this year he set the pace. One note, Quintana’s last throw of the event ended when his throw of 180 feet fell outside the field and was called a foul. A quick guide to the finishers is as follows: Shot Put- Garrett Quintana finished 5th at 46-07.50 feet and Andrew Vigil placed 8th at 45-11.25 feet. The John Mall 4X100 relay placed 13th. From Hoehne, Jordon Trujillo of Hoehne finished 10th in the discus, Shaelyn Walton 2nd in the 800M and Zane Gilmore 11th in the 800M. The girls 4X100 relay team finished 18th. Sophia Anderson won 3rd in the triple jump at 35-7.75 and sister Aspen was 10th at 32-09.25. Aspen also finished 14th in the 300M hurdles.