By Clarissa Olson Posted May 9, 2018
On May 5, Lowry hosted the Lowry Invitational on their home field. There were 12 teams in attendance, included Lowry, Battle Mountain, Churchill County, Dayton, Elko, Eureka, Gabbs, McDermitt, Owyhee, Pershing County, Sparks, and Spring Creek.
“You never see this many schools here at once,” said senior thrower Eddie Sanchez. “It’s pretty neat to see.”
Among the victories were the women’s 4 x 400 team and the men’s pole vault.
The women’s 4 x 400 team, consisting of Adia Bengochea, Shelby Garrison, Hailey Hinkle, and Hailey Fernandez, brought home a first-place finish, with a time of 4:12.
“Our girls 4 x 400 group is really strong,” said coach Grant Beatty. “We’ve got three seniors returning from a state championship last year, and we plugged in a freshman. She’s done really well. They’ve done a good job of meshing together.”
Men’s vaulters brought home PR’s all across the field. Bryan Day finished 3rd with 11’6 feet, 6 points. Eduardo (Lalo) Aguilar tied for 4th with 11 feet 4.5 points. Sean Betz snatched 6th place with 9’6 feet, 1.5 points. Robert (Lee) Shoenecker came in 13th with 7’6.
“We had a good day with our vaulting,” said Beatty. “We have a new coach, Alesha Heiser, and she’s done an exceptional job with our vaulters. All four of our boy vaulters PR’d, and a lot of them just started this year.”
The team has been pushing their way passed challenges all season.
“We always had little injuries here and there, but I guess the biggest struggle has been the poor weather,” said Beatty. “It’s either been really cold or really windy. That makes it hard on your body to try to perform at the top level.”
Beatty also commented on the outstanding leadership displayed by the senior-most members of the team.
“We may not be as deep as last year, but we do have some good quality athletes, and strong leaders on both sides,” said Beatty. “We’ve had some girls who have set good examples in the sprints, jumps, and distance. Everything really trickles down with the younger athletes.”
Many students avoid track because of the work it requires, but the work can be worth it.
“I run because I love the challenge,” said senior sprinter and jumper Shelby Garrison. “I like how it feels afterwards and that little sense of accomplishment.”
“I throw because it’s another sport I can do,” said Sanchez. “When I first started, I wasn’t very good, but it’s fun to see myself improve and know that I can always get better.”
