Track and field is back in action across Montana, and after an early cancelation for the Havre High Blue Ponies, they too will compete this weekend.

    Last weekend the Central A Blue Ponies were scheduled to compete in Cut Bank, but due to the sudden snow storm, the Ponies weren’t able to fit in their required 10 pr

Havre High's Ashlynn Van Voast runs in the 800 meters during a meet last spring at the Havre Middle School Track. The Blue Pony track teams look to start their season at Saturday's Lewistown Invitational.

    The Lewistown Golden Eagles and Ponies will be the only Class A schools competing in Lewistown this weekend. But the Ponies will run into a lot of great competition, as they will face off agasinst squads like Belt, Harlowton and Malta.

    And whill HHS is always looking for a team title at these meets, the Ponies are really looking to get a good look at this years team the first time out. The Roster has slimmed down from nearly 75 last season to about 50 this year, and with new and old faces on the roster, this is weekend presents itself as the perfect jumping off point.

    “We are excited and anxious to compete,” Havre High head coach Trever Van Campen said. “The kids are excited to get some times and set some marks so that we can make some season goals. All the coaches are excited for this year and we have a good little squad that we have put together. Every year is different and this year we are still putting the pieces in the right place.”

    Six returning Blue Ponies should look to lead the team not only this weekend, but in the weeks ahead. Peyton Filius (800-meter and 1600-meter) and Sammy Evans (200-meter, triple jump and 400-meter) both qualified at state last season and should carry the load. And for the boys team, Thurman Holdsclaw (pole vault), Zach Plum (pole vault) and Mason Case (100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter) should help lead the way. Unfortunately, Case wont be competing this weekend after twisting his ankle previously in the week. Joey DeVries (throwing events), Trent Nystrom, Marc Klimas (distance), Garrett Agiuillard (distance), Kade Rismon (throwing events), Michael Richards, Thomas Gruber (pole vault) and Tyson Kultgen (sprints) also return as leaders for the Ponies. And for the girls, Kaylie Gilman, Lacey Waid, Hailey Ohm, Jennifer Nordgulen, Ashlynn VanVoast (middle distance/relays), Neya Bischoff (throwing events) and Karly Klimas (thowing events) also return as HHS key athletes. Gilman will also be sidelined, as she gets over an ankle injury suffered during the basketball season.

    “The competition is going to be good on the boys and girls side this weekend,” Van Campen said. “And this will be a good meet for us to see where we stand early on. We really want every kid to just compete in as many events as they can. This will allow them to see what they need to work on, as well as just feel good to be competing, while they meet new people, see old friends and start the track season off right.”

    The Ponies will get the season started on Saturday in Lewistown. Havre will also be in action next Tuesday when North Star hosts the annual Cal Wearley Invitational in Havre. The Havre Lions Invitational is scheduled for April 14, also at the Havre Middle School Track.