Clark Fork's Reese is a state champ in the javelin
Clark Fork junior Sorren Reese won the Montana Class C state title in the javelin with a throw of 128 feet, 3 inches. Reese took home a total of three medals after placing in both relays. (Scott Shindledecker/Mineral Independent)
Throwing the javelin may have been a bit of an afterthought for Clark Fork’s Sorren Reese, but last Saturday it was anything but after she won the Class C state title.
Reese won the event at the Missoula County Stadium after delivering a personal best throw of 128 feet, 3 inches. Reese competed in five events at last week’s championships and helped her Mountain Cat teammates win state medals in the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays.
She also set a school record in the 800-meter run and had a personal-best time in the 1,600, just missing medal finishes in both events.
“It’s a great feeling and I’m excited, but I’m not sure it’s sunk in yet,” Reese said. “This season, especially following last year with coronavirus, has been so much fun.”
Reese had a new mentor in head coach Logan Labbe, the principal at Superior Elementary School. Labbe is a well-known name in Western Montana track and field. He still holds the Class C state record in the javelin, 193 feet, 9 inches.
“Coach Labbe really helped me with so much and it made a big difference,” Reese said. “And, I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my dad, my whole family and teammates.”
Reese opted to skip playing basketball last winter to focus on track and it’s obvious it paid off.
Reese will be a senior next season and may set her sights on a record held former Western Montana star - Plains’ Kimberly Earhart. She holds the Class C state girls record in the javelin at 142 feet, 6 inches, set in 2016.
Reese wasn’t the only Mineral County athlete to enjoy a memorable weekend at state.
Teammate Isabella Pereira, a sophomore, medaled in the 100 and set a personal-best mark in the triple jump with a leap of 35 feet. Pereira also helped lead the relay teams to medal-winning finishes. Molly Patko and Cassie Green joined Reese on both teams.
For St. Regis, Caleb Ball and Andrew Sanford each won medals in their respective specialties.
Ball’s throw of 151 feet, 10 inches was good for fifth in the javelin. Sanford high jumped 5 feet, 10 inches to place fifth. Ball is a sophomore while Sanford recently graduated.
Complete results may be found at athletic.net.