State track Friday in Butte

A total of eight Whitehall High School athletes will be competing at MHSA Class B State Track Tournament Friday and Saturday in Butte.

Ann Russell, Wyatt Alexander, Hunter Flynn, Max Feight, Steven Japhet, Andrew Simon, Braden Smith and Cade Briggs all finished in the top eight in their events at last week’s Southern B Divisional Meet in Laurel.

Ann Russell qualified by finishing sixth in the 100 meters with a time of 13.38, fourth in the 200 meters at 27.38, and fifth in the 400 meters with an official time of 1:03.40. Russell had also previously qualified for state in the long jump.

“Ann once again held her own against solid competition. She is a great competitor and did a great job with a heavy load at the divisional meet. I’m very proud of her, her dedication and commitment is paying off,” head coach Dan Lacey said.

Sophomore standout Max Feight will also be participating in four events at the state meet. Feight finished sixth in the 110 meter hurdles at 16.25, sixth in the 300 hurdles (42.29), was a member of the 4x100 team that finished fifth (45.94), and a part of the 4x400 team that had a strong fourth place finish (3:38.93).

The other members of the 4x100 team are Steven Japhet, Wyatt Alexander, and Braden Smith. Alexander, Simon, and Japhet are the other members of the 4x400 team.

Alexander has also previously qualified in the 100 meters.

Sophomore Cade Briggs qualified in the long jump with a mark of 20-01.75, and junior Braden Smith will compete at state after finishing seventh in the triple jump with a personal best jump of 41-04.

Senior Hunter Flynn qualified by finishing sixth in the 800 meters with a time of 2:07.43. Seniors Braden Larsen and Jake Flynn are the alternates at the state meet.

Looking towards the final competition of the year, Lacey said anything can happen at state.

“For our seniors, I want them to soak up this moment and remember all the great memories we have had over the years and give it all they have at the state meet. For our younger athletes, I want them to feel the excitement and energy of the state meet and use that to fuel them during competition,” he said.