An eager group of young athletes attended the district track and field competition in North Battleford on May 24 and 25. The team of 40 entrants ranged from Grades 7 to 12. The younger grades, 7 and 8, make up the peewee and bantam class. These students attended for the thrill and experience of competition itself.
The older of the competitors, in Grades 9 to 12, entered into the district competition with the chance of moving on to provincials in Saskatoon on June 2 and 3, should they achieve first or second place in one or more events.
Track and field season starts after Easter break, when the snow leaves the ground. This year allowed for an approximately two-month long season, wherein students practiced rigorously both after school and during lunch breaks.
The team is instructed by four enthusiastic coaches. Stacy Hill, Grade 1 and 2 teacher, has been coaching this sport for 14 years. Shannon Caffet, a new teacher to Medstead School, coached previously in Spiritwood and has brought her experience to the Medstead Mustangs. Kelly Schneider, principal, and Greg Knot, vice-principal, have coached the longest of the four.
The dedication and hard work of the students and the knowledgeable training of the instructors gave rise to a resounding success for the Medstead team at the North Battleford event. Of the 40 students who competed, of the grades 9-12, the midget class, 11 were successful in continuing to provincials.
The athletes who moved on to provincials, and their corresponding successful events, are: Kyle Knot (800 meter), Janae Knot (400 meter), Marshal Egeland (shotput and discus), Quintin Short (javelin), Dawson Hill (javelin), Josh Hill (discus), Mikki Orange (discus), Tanisha Shaffer (javelin), Austyn Hundt (shotput), Maddison Kohl (1500 meter and 800 meter), and Charm Henderson (hurdles).
The statistics as against Medstead School’s population is truly prideful. The students moving forward account for 7.8 per cent of the school’s total student population. An overwhelming 27.5 per cent of the athletes brought to the event met their goal of moving to the next level of the competition. The numbers bring profound pride and spirit to the local school and student body; however, according to Coach Stacy Hill, “the best part is when kids set goals and work hard at them, and when it comes through for them on the day of competition.”
Hill noted the character shown by the students involved, their working through mud, rain and injuries, and the dedication shown by the team as a large source of the success. The track and field team is a great example of the achievement that can be obtained from commitment and energy, both from instructors and participants. Undoubtedly, the student body and faculty, parents, competitors and town members are proud of the young competitors and eager for them to move ahead to the provincial competition.
