Opening their season at the Farmington Early Bird Invitational on March 8, the Dolores High School boys and girls track teams knew they would be in for a fight.
After a solid day of racing however, the Bears departed from their first meet of the season feeling optimistic regarding their chances moving forward.
Lady Bears place well
Leading the girls track team, senior Brianna Schwartz kicked her season off in style, finishing fourth in the 100-meter hurdles (18.54), fourth in the 300 hurdles (54.90) and 24th in the long jump (12 feet, three inches).
Also registering a pair of top-10 finishes for the Bears, sophomore Larissa Umberger finished fifth in the 300 hurdles (55.59), eighth in the 100 hurdles (19.91) and 11th in the 100 (14.35).
Other top ten finishers for the Bears included Taylor Elder, who finished seventh in the long jump (15 feet, 1 inch), Kelly Charles, who finished ninth in the 300 hurdles (58.93) and Alyana Frasier, who finished ninth in the 200 (30.01).
Boys team gains experience
Although the Bears' boys team failed to record any top-10 finishes, several team members registered best times.
Recording the top individual finishes for the boys was Trevor Robinson, who finished 20th in the 100 (12.53), 21st in the 400 (1:00.14) and 22nd in the long jump (16 feet, 5 inches).
Other top finishers for the Bears included Caelen Wahlquist, who finished 31st in the discus (66 feet, 10 inches) and Tristan Holgate, who finished 34th in the long jump (14 feet, 9 1/2 inches).