With their regular season nearing its end, the Montezuma-Cortez High School boys and girls track teams stepped up in competition and produced solid results.
Competing at the 24-team Grand Junction Tiger Invitational, May 2-3, the Panthers were paced by Keegan Ralstin, who, in addition to placing third overall in the 300-meter hurdles (41.32), placed 13th in the triple jump (38 feet, 8¾ inches).
“Keegan is getting better,” said Panthers’ boys coach Bob Archibeque. “He has shown a lot of improvement over the course of the season.”
Also turning in a solid performance for the boys was Justice Ramos, who, continuing to cut tenths of seconds off his times, finished second in the 400 (50.97).
“I think Justice’s main goal is to qualify for state,” said Archibeque. “He has been running very well.”
Cracking the top 5 for the girls, Tayla Topaha finished second in the discus with a season best throw of 115 feet, 9 inches.
Panthers’ standout Rachel Demby also performed well, placing second in the 400 (59.66) and seventh in the 200 (27.49).
Other Panthers turning in top 20 performances included Randy Haley, who finished 12th in the triple jump (38 feet, 9½ inches), Elana Cope, who finished 18th in the 3200 (15:02.27) and Victor Perez, who finished 20th in the shot put (38 feet, 2½ inches).
Several Panthers relays also performed well with the girls 4x200 relay placing fifth (1:52.49), the boys 4x400 relay placing third (3:29.59) and the boys 4x200 relay placing sixth (1:33.50).
Next up for the Panthers will be the Southwest League Meet, which will take place in Grand Junction, May 9-10.
