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A lot of things went right for the Chisago Lakes boys track and field team last Tuesday at the Section 7AA True Team Meet. As a matter of fact, most things went right. About the only thing that didn’t go right was the final tally where the ‘Cats found themselves second to North Branch.

The biggest winner of the day for Chisago Lakes might have been Chris Hitchcock who ran to a first place finish in the 110 hurdles, defeating Al Moore from North Branch who was considered by most the favorite. Hitchcock also took third in the 300 hurdles.

John Leaf and Ben Dery also turned heads by finishing first in the 3200 meter and 800 run respectively. As for the rest of the best, Devin Swanberg took second in the triple jump while the ‘Cats 4 X 200 relay team also ran second. In addition, Brian Jennissen (100 meter dash), Joe Jungmann (400 meter dash), Leaf (1600 meter run) and Zack Sill picked up third place trophies. The Wildcats 4 X 800 relay team ran third as well.

“For us to have a chance at winning it, we knew that we would really have to have a good day and North Branch would have to falter,” remarked Orwoll. “We had some really good individual performances though so I was pleased. Some of our younger kids really stepped it up in the relays and our veterans stepped up. Devin (Swanberg), Andy (Olness) and Joe (Jungmann) were back so that was nice to see. Hopefully with them back, we can start moving forward again.”

The Chisago Lakes girls team had their own had their fair share of career performances as well. Despite finishing fourth as a team, several athletes used the meet as a coming out party. Victoria Zais was one of them. Zais finished third in the 400 meter dash before placing third in the long jump. Leah Secord also had a career day, finishing third in the high jump, and Kara Orwoll, competing in the 800 meter run, crossed the finish line first, edging Krista Skoglund from International Falls by less than a tenth of a second.

“The True Team Meet went really well. I was very happy with finishing fourth overall,” said Beth Carlson, Chisago Lakes girls track and field head coach. “The girls worked hard and had several standout times and distances. Kara earned our only first place finish, running her fastest in the 800. Tory Zais in the 400 running her fastest time yet this year and also getting third in the long jump with her best performance. Emmy Wold finished fourth in the mile, Laura Biersach finished fourth in the hurdles and Leah Secord finished third in the high jump. And all our relays had outstanding times.

“We’re ready to put our best paw forward for conference,” continued Carlson. “I know the ladies are really excited about Thursday’s meet (Rum River Conference outdoor meet) and I am expecting great performances; they deserve it. They have been working really hard this season.”

The Rum River Outdoor Meet will take place this Thursday in Big Lake.

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