Track season wouldn’t truly be track season without a little weather whiplash that ranges from blistering heat to blustering, gusting wind to even a blanket of snow covering the field.  As the season moves along, it’s the hope that the warm weather will move in and the cold and wind will finally move out.  But as the MHS track team can affirm, sometimes even the most important track meets are plagued with even the worst of weather.

Hosted by Bear Lake High School, the Dragon track team competed in the District 5 2A two day meet beginning on Tuesday, May 7.  The Malad athletes arrived to find snow on the ground, near freezing temperatures and a quickly changing schedule of events.  As the meet officials attempted to juggle the day to provide the best possible outcome for their less than favorable circumstances, the Dragons did what they could to stay warm, fueled, and focused before they competed.  Many preliminary events were canceled or postponed the opening day in hopes that the following day would prove somewhat better.  

Through it all, the MHS athletes demonstrated their commitment and dedication, even in the midst of the toughest circumstances.  At the very meet they had been working for all season and on track to set new personal records in many of their events, the track team chose to lean into the wind and give it their best effort.  For many, it was enough and they were able to compete well and punch their ticket to the upcoming state meet.  But for others, the unfavorable circumstances led to subpar performances that ultimately finished out their 2024 track season.

To qualify for the state level track meet, athletes must place in the top three of their event or finish with a time, jump, or throw that could compete at that same level.  With the improvements seen throughout the season, the Dragons were sure that several of their competitors would qualify for state.  At the end of the day, 13 athletes qualified across the 25 events that they competed in, something their coaches were extremely proud of.

The coaches attribute their success not only to the talent and hard work of their participants, but also to their team mindset.  Rather than focusing solely on what they could accomplish as an individual, the athletes began to recognize how they could help their teammate find greater success in their meets.  Whether it was giving up an event to allow space for another Dragon racer or taking a position on a relay team, they chose to compete in ways that not only showcased their talent, but allowed their teammates the best chance as well.

Qualifying for the state track meet for the MHS men’s team is Brycen Talbot as he won second place in the 800m, and 1600m, and first place in the 3200m.  Boston Burbidge also qualified in the 1600 m in second place.  Levi Angell managed a second place finish in the 3200m to qualify for state as well.  Braylin Tripp also qualified for multiple events as he won first place in the long jump and triple jump, and second place in the high jump.  Braun Nalder surprised the competition as he pulled out a new personal record in both pole vault and triple jump to qualify for the state track meet.

The Lady Dragon track team is excited to be competing in fifteen different events, including their medley relay, 4x200 and the 4x400.  Oakley Hebdon qualified in three races including the 100m, 400m and her specialty, the 300m hurdles, as well as in the triple jump.  Brynlee Bastian punched her ticket to state in the 400m and 80m as well as running in the medley and 4x200 relay.  Halie Palmer took second place in the 200m to qualify in addition to running in the 4x200 and
medley relays.  

Cally Coleman managed a strong third place finish in the 3200m.  Freshman Kaycee Venable took second place in both the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles while also racing on the 4x400 relay team.  Mikell Keeth contributed to the three qualifying relay teams as well as taking second place in the triple jump.  Izzy Haycock set a new personal record as she finished in third place in the long jump in addition to stepping up and running on the medley team.  Joni Beck also helped the Lady Dragon 4x400 relay team qualify with their third place finish.

As the season comes to a close for many of the MHS track and field athletes, there are many that deserve a round of applause for their great accomplishments throughout the season.  A fair number of participants signed up for the spring sport to stay active or for the social scene, only to find that they had real talent and potential in the sport.  The coaches shared that seeing their athletes grow and improve in their various events was such an exciting part of the season.  Despite the tough circumstances for their final meet, they watched them step up and compete in big ways.

The qualifying athletes will compete at the two day IHSAA State Track and Field Championship Meet in MIddleton, Idaho on May 17 and 18.

See full results on our Facebook page.