State Time: Pony track teams hit the final stretch

The Havre High boys and girls track teams don't have a lot of state experience leading the Blue Ponies this season, but with a combined 14 athletes making the trip this weekend, they are hoping that changes.

Today and Saturday the Central A Ponies will take part in the Class A state track meet in Laurel.

John Perrodin headlines the Ponies roster as the only returning athlete to have placed at the state tournament last season. Perrodin placed sixth in both the 110 and 300 hurdles a season ago, and will get another go around this weekend as he has qualified for both events yet again.

David Jeffrey, Corderro Strickland, Kendall Murie, Jeff Thibodeaux, Jake Myers, Layne Waid and Tyson Gruber also qualified for the Pony boys.

Jeffery will run the 800-meter and Murie will run the 3200-meter.

Strickland qualified in the 100-meter dash as well as the triple jump, while Thibodeaux will make an appearance in the javelin.

Myers, Waid and Gruber all qualified in the pole vault, and have what it takes to come away with points this weekend. They have been amongst the leaders at almost every meet they attended, as well as turning in some of the better heights in state, hovering around the 13-0 mark.

On the girls squad, Karla Hellegaard has the most state experience, but didn't place last season. She has jumped very well all season for the Ponies, and also stands a very good chance at placing this weekend in the long jump.

Sophomore Sammy Evans has shined brighter with every meet this season. And qualifying for four state events, she continues to set the bar higher and higher. Evans will take part in the high jump, triple jump, 200-meter and 400 meter.

Alexia Olson, Katie Christianson, Madison Ruff and Jaye Ceynar also qualified for the ponies.

Olson will take part in both the pole vault and 100-meter dash, while Christianson will run the 3200, Ruff will throw the javelin and Ceynar will participate in the pole vault.

Today and Saturday the Ponies will be in Laurel where they will take part in the Class A state track meet. The meet is being held at the brand new Laurel Sports Complex.