Badgers shine at sunny state track meet

MIDDLETON — The Lady Badgers scored 38 points at the 3A state track meet at Middleton High School to place sixth out of 20 teams.

Victoria Rae set the tone early Friday morning when she placed second in the disc with a personal best of 120 feet, 3 inches on her final throw to jump up from third place. Later in the afternoon Victoria continued her success by winning the 3A girls shot put with a put of 37-9.

“She has been focused on this goal since she returned from state volleyball,” said throws coach Ed DePriest. “She deserves and has earned this with all the time she has put in working on her technique and in the weight room.”

Victoria was also the team’s “MVT,” which stands for “Most Valuable Teammate.” This award is given to the athlete who scores the most team points throughout the year.

“It’s kind of an anomaly when a thrower leaders your team in points. That just shows what level she is at and how well she competes and scores at all meets.” said head coach Travis Hinthorn.

Jordan Young wrapped a successful track career by leaving her mark on the school record board, breaking the 1,600 meter school record (5:29.43) while placing fourth at state. The record was previously held by Melody Braden since 2008.

“She had to work hard for that record. She got cut off at the start and then was boxed in for a lap or so early but had a great finish and passed a coupe girls down the final 100 meters,” Hinthorn said. “We knew she was close to the record but our times are unofficial. She was pretty excited when they posted the official results and saw she had beat the old record.”

Young also placed fourth in the 800 with a time of 2:24.66.

Abigail Gorton ran a personal best of 12:05.72 to place third in the 3,200-meter run.

“That was the best race I have seen Abigail run. The pace was slow so she made a move at lap five and lead on and off for a lap or two. She was in a group of six. That move broke the lead pack down to three runners.” said Hinthorn.

The team’s “Newcomer of the Year” award winner, freshman, Holly Ansley, placed seventh in the long jump with a jump of 16-0. Ansley also placed seventh in the triple jump with a jump of 33-11.5, which topped her previous season best by over a foot.

On the boys’ side, senior pole vaulter Nik Bertling, who placed fourth last year at state in the pole vault, tied for second clearing 13-0.