Led by strong distance running, the Flathead Bravettes were victorious last Saturday at the Great Falls Optimist meet. Outscoring their nearest opponent by 23 points, the Bravettes, to reflect the name of the meet, were upbeat. “I think we have a good team,” said sophomore Amber Arvidson, who placed first in 1,600 and 3,200 meter in Great Falls. “When we come together, we play well. I think we’ll win the state meet.” The Bravettes should be optimistic after winning what head coach Joe McKay referred to as “almost a state track meet.” With every AA school in the state — excluding Sentinel — and A schools Havre and Lewiston, at the Optimist, McKay believes that the win was important. “We were really pleased with the way the kids played,” said McKay. “We didn’t know what to expect from the competition, but we competed well.” According to McKay, the meet gave the Bravettes a chance to face schools from Eastern Montana — teams that aren’t routinely seen by Flathead teams, but that compete at the state level. “(The Optimist) gives us a chance to compete against the Eastern schools,” said McKay. “We don’t see them very often, but it gives us an idea where we stand.” Staying with a standard that has given the Bravettes successful teams in recent years, the distance runners gave Flathead an edge. Besides Arvidson, the Bravettes had five other top-eight finishers in the distance events. Senior Kari Hill placed fourth in both the 800 and 1,600 meters, junior Lauren Keithly placed second in the 1,600 and fifth in the 3,200, and junior Hanni Buettner placed eighth in the 3,200. “I was happy with how our team did,” said Keithly. “But I definitely want to improve my times.” Other top finishers for Flathead were sophomore Erika Rauk with fourth in the 100 meters, junior Lindsay Ogle with third in the 200, junior Shalene Liddle placing second in the 100 meter hurdles and fifth in the 400 meters, senior Lindsay Hopkins fourth in the javelin, and both the 400 and 1,600 meter relay-teams placing first for the Bravettes. McKay is hopeful of the rest of the season, thanks to the number of point contributors for the Bravettes. He feels that like this meet — where Helena Capital placed second and Helena High placed third — was a preview of what the state will see at the at the end of May. “It’s the same old story,” said McKay. “Teams in the West are usually stronger than the teams in the East. In the end, it should be between us and the Helena schools.” The Bravettes hosted Sentinel Thursday after press time and travel to Missoula to face Big Sky and Hellgate Saturday. And with the first big meet of the season going the way of Flathead High and with the team optimistic, Arvidson believes the Bravettes should keep three things in mind. Said Arvidson, reciting the cross-country team motto: “Be strong, run hard and think big.” Despite a disappointing tournament for the field events, Flathead boys track placed second at the Swede Dahlberg Invitational last Saturday in Butte. Paced by strong distance-running, the Braves scored 91 points, 20 behind first-placed Butte. “The distance runners did an excellent job,” said Hodge. “They scored 58 of our 91 points. They ran well against the competition.” The Invitational, which Hodge refers to as a “pre-divisional,” had seven AA teams competing. “There are seven AA schools so it’s the same as divisionals,” said Hodge. “If we do as well at divisionals as we did (in Butte), I’ll be very pleased.” In the distance events, Flathead was paced by sophomore Kevin Clarey and junior Brett Winegar. To start the day, Winegar placed first in the 3,200, meters ahead of Clarey. Later that day in the 1,600, Clarey placed first and Winegar third. Freshman David Vidal placed second in the 1,600. “In the 3,200, (Winegar) beat me in the last 100 meters,” said Clarey. “I got fired up for the 1,600. I was looking for a chance to strike back.” Clarey and Winegar have been big contributors for the cross-country team over the past two years, but this is Winegar’s first full year in track. Both runners feel that the friendly competition that now continues in the spring track season will help the Flathead cause. “I think it helps,” said Winegar. “It’s good to have competition between team members. We just need to keep it fun.” Other top finishers for the Braves included senior Nick Hanson’s second-place in the 800 meters, a third-place finish for the 400 meter relay team and a fourth-place in the 1,600 meter relay, junior David Beekman’s third in the javelin and senior Nate Liddle’s third in the discus. Hodge feels that this Brave team’s work ethic is a good start for the team. “We are not a high-talent team like were three years ago,” said Hodge. “But you don’t need a win to be winners. Sometimes hard work and dedication are more important.” |
