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Bluejays girls and boys track teams finding form

Burton wins twice in two-mile

As members of the Mancos High School boys and girls track teams continue to round into form, results continue to improve.

Thus, while the Bluejays track teams are far from finished products, the sky appears to be the limit for the fast-rising groups as they move forward.

Bluejays compete in Cortez Invitational

Eager to test themselves against local rivals at the Cortez Invitational on April 9, members of the Bluejays' track teams acquitted themselves well.

Leading the way for the girls' team was the sprint medley relay made up of Taylor Goff, Olivia Winter-Holm, Brandi Bundy and Kristin Adams.

Pacing the boys team was senior Justin Burton, who finished first overall in the 3200-meter run.

"Overall, our distance kids did really well," said Bluejays head coach Adam Priestley. "We also enjoyed solid performances from our throwers, especially Ty (Koppenhafer) and Everett Strazza-Whalen.

Bluejays turn in solid performances in Bayfield

Looking to build on their already strong week, the Bluejays track teams travelled to Bayfield on April 12 to compete against nine other teams in the Abel Velasquez Invitational.

Leading the way for the Bluejays boys team was senior Justin Burton, who, adding another top finish to a long list of career accomplishments, finished first in the 3200-meter run (11:19.72).

Also performing well for the boys team was Adrian Hernandez, who finished fourth in the 300 hurdles (47.15) and fifth in the triple jump (34 feet, 6 inches).

Other top placers for the boys team included Anthony Reiners, who finished second in the 300 hurdles (45.23), Ro Paschal, who finished second in the 800 (2:10.29) Ty Koppenhafer, who finished fourth in the shot put (39 feet, 3¼ inches), Nigel Henry, who finished fourth in the high jump (5 feet, 3 inches) and Asa Kearns, who finished fourth in the 3200 (12:56.20).

After his team's performance, head coach Adam Priestley expressed excitement regarding the group's ability to place well in so many different events.

"We got to compete against schools our sides. When we compete against schools our size, our kids do very well."

Not to be outdone by their male counterparts, the Bluejays girls also turned in a solid performance.

Pacing the group was Emma Most, who finished fourth in the 3200 (14:35.38).

Also notching top-five finishes for the girls' team were Jessalyn Bay-Voit, who finished fifth in the 800 (3:18.87), Kristin Adams, who finished fifth in the 200 (30.18) and Hannah Skinner, who finished fifth in the 3200 (14:53.09).

"Our young girls are doing well," said Priestley. "Times are starting to go down and we're finally getting healthy. They're doing what we thought they would be able to do."

Next up for the Bluejays' track teams will be the Bayfield Pine River Invitational, which will take place in Bayfield on April 19.