Savage Heat athletes move forward

MISSOULA – The Hot Springs Savage Heat performed well at the Western C Divisional Meet at Missoula County Stadium and will be sending several athletes to the state meet in Great Falls. 

The Divisional Meet was split between Friday, May 23 and Saturday May 24, with events split between the two days.

Following the two-day competition the Savage Heat boys found themselves in fourth place with a team score of 44 points.

On the girls side Rosa Dolson had a strong performance, landing in sixth in the high jump competition, with a performance of 4-8. 

“It was a really great two-day meet,” Hot Springs Head Coach Vicky Nytes said. 

The boys received strong efforts from their throwers, with Nate Gray and Tanner Hoff placing in the javelin competition. 

Gray finished in fourth with a throw of 143-9, edging out Hoff who ended his day with a 143-2.

Hoff experienced success in the hurdles competition too. 

Hoff took second in the 330-meter hurdles, clocking in at 41.11. In the 110-meter hurdles, he took third place with a performance of 15.74, while teammate Jimmy Holland took sixth with a 16.88 finish. 

In the 400-meter sprint Anthony Byrns crossed the finish line in sixth, clocking in at 52.46. 

Byrns also qualified for state in the 200-meter dash, finishing third with a time of 23.17. 

The Savage Heat excelled in the triple jump with Jarod White taking fourth with a 42 ½ and Trevor Paro ending in sixth with a jump of 40-11 ½. 

Jack Dolson finished sixth in the high jump with a final leap of 5-10. 

The top five competitors from each event will move on to the state meet, which will be held in Great Falls, starting Friday May, 30. 

Coach Nytes noted the humid temperatures posed an issue on Friday but the weather on Saturday was much better. 

“A little too hot on Friday, but Saturday was perfect for a track meet,” Nytes said. 

The Savage Heat will be sending six athletes to the state meet in Great Falls.

“We have had a good season. The athletes have had strong performances and many have taken part in new events,” Nytes said.

With the season winding down Nytes is proud of how the team performed throughout the year.

“It has been a really fun and positive season,” Nytes said.