Tracksters face tough competition at State
by David Tesitor
JEFFCO STADIUM- Desi Aguirre, the lone Panther to go to State, made it to the final day of competition and finished tenth overall on the shot-put with a throw of 31 feet 7 and 1/2 inches. Her throw was a half inch off her personal high. For the John Mall senior, this was an exceptional way to end her stellar sports career. She was up against some strong competition and in the end, represented John Mall with integrity and a competitive spirit. The winning throw in the event was 39’7”.
The La Veta Redskins also had several athletes compete. The girls 4×100 relay team consisting of Shea Brgoch, Emily Moll, Sami Willhoite and Jacey Day finished in tenth place with a run of 53.68 seconds. This was fast enough to set a school record and was only .02 seconds from ninth. The boys 4×800 relay team consisting of Adam Kimbrel, Austin Wagner, Adam Ortivez and Zane Sternberg finished fourteenth overall in a time of 9:37.32.
Photographs and memories…
HUERFANO- When I was in high school, one of the popular songs at the time was Jim Croce, “Photographs and Memories.” The song begins with these words, “Photographs and memories, Christmas cards you sent to me, all that I have are these to remember you….” For the area high schools this year is now a memory. I have been fortunate to witness some very fine athletes throughout the year: their personal accomplishments, their successes and failures, their victories and disappointments. I am thankful to have been able to report on these fine young men and women.
We have seen a young team struggle on the gridiron, under the direction of a new coach. This team fought until the last down, never giving up and will grow into a contender as their program develops. It is a team which, in spite of critics, accomplished more than was expected of them.
In the other district we witnessed an offensive powerhouse which was capable of putting points on the boards. However, on the other side of the ball, equally explosive opponents racked up the yards too. Win or lose, they excited the crowds.
The year also offered up plenty of net action. The lady volleyball teams produced exciting action and several all-conference, all-state players. The basketball teams were all successful, qualifying in their districts and advancing into the playoff system. Unfortunately, no one accomplished their goal of state this year, but all gave their best efforts. That is all we could ask of them and is what will be remembered.
The area also produced some exceptional grapplers. As always, several individuals advanced to the state meet and performed much to the delight of the fans. One young Redskin freshman went undefeated throughout the season. He was the number-one-ranked wrestler in the state in his weight class for several weeks. He did not take it all in Denver that weekend, falling to fourth. His comment was, “there’s always next year.” This testifies to the never-say-never attitude of these sportsmen and women.
We have also seen our share of weather delayed baseball and track events. The make-up games, the rescheduling and the players dividing their time between the sport they love and their academic requirements have always made for interesting spring sports.
Throughout the season, the dedicated fans, though sparse at times, cheered on their sons and daughters, grandchildren, friends and family. The athletes never failed to please those in attendance. Win, lose or draw, these youngsters all had one thing in common; they all had drive, ambition and the desire to be the best they could be.
As a reporter, I have gotten to know these kids over the last two years. Certainly, those graduating and moving on will be missed. I appreciated their polite demeanor, their respect when I asked for interviews and their willingness to recognize that they are part of a team. This year’s group of fine athletes have made us all proud. They are ambassadors of Huerfano County and have represented their school, themselves and their families well.
