Red Devils secure 28 personal bests at meet

NOXON – The Red Devils competed at two meets last week, both in complete opposite directions, as they traveled to Arlee and Libby, seeing success at both. The Red Devils had 28 personal bests during the Libby meet – an accomplishment of great proportion.

At the Arlee Invitational, the boys finished in fifth place with a score of 53.

According to Head Coach Matt Havens, Austin Johnson competed in the 3,200, taking second place with a time of 11:38.8 – a personal best for Johnson.

“That race was the best and smartest race he has ever ran,” Coach Matt Havens said.

Johnson wasn’t the only one who saw success. His teammates filled the spots throughout the meet.

Gary Wadman took fifth place in the 100 with a time of 12.96.

Track star Bradey Wilson once again dominated the competition, taking first in the 1,600 with 5:12.30, followed by his teammate Austin Johnson in second and BranDan Lockwood in fourth. Wilson also took second place in the 400 with 56.49, while Riley Fisher came in fifth with a time of 59.60 and then Wilson continued on to finish third place in the 300 hurdles.

Nik Mueller was the only Noxon athlete to place in the jumping events, taking sixth place in the high jump with 5-2.

The girls also ended in fifth place. Their final score was 33.

Bethanie Ulrick finished fourth place in the 100 with 15:50 and sixth place in the 200 with 32.25.

Jessica Eaton placed sixth in the 400, while Jenna Langdon placed sixth in the 800.

Michelle Zavoianu took fourth place in the 1,600 with 8:10.5 and Kristin Webley finished second place in the 100 hurdles, followed by her teammate Hilary VanVleet in third. Webley also took fourth place in the 300 hurdles with 60.81.

Both of Noxon’s relay teams placed, taking second in the 400 relay with 61.62 and second in the 1,600 relay with a time of 5:10.97.

Langdon was able to place sixth place in the discus competition, adding some more points towards the girl’s total.

At the Libby Invitational, rain came down all morning and affected the throwing events.

The boys placed sixth with 13 points.

Coach Havens said the athletes were encouraged to throw smart in order to avoid injuries. As the kids took to the track, they excelled in their running events.

“The kids ran great. That was their best meet yet as far as time,” Coach Havens said.

Lockwood took sixth place in the 400 and Johnson finished fifth in the 1,600. Johnson also took third place in the 3,200 with a time of 11:21.01.

As for the 1,600 relay team, the guys were able to place fifth with 4:02.91.

Lockwood represented the team in jumping events, securing a length of 17-3 and landing in fifth place.

No girls’ results were available for the meet.

Coach Havens said the kids were all smiles after putting it all out on both the track and field.

“After the meet, there were lots of smiles on the bus about how the kids felt about the meet. They did well, all of them,” Coach Havens said.

He credited Johnson and Zavoianu with strong performances. Both of the athletes placed their personal bests.

This week Noxon will take a break from meets, but they still have a busy week of practice ahead of them.

“(We) will be working on the little things to improve times and distances,” Coach Havens said.

Their next meet will be the county meet in Plains on May 8.