North Branch track struggles at state

By John Behling
North Branch boys and girls teams track faced harsh weather and stiff competition at the Minnesota State Track Meet at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Despite a pair of second place finishes at sections, boyís track representatives from North Branch couldnít make it happen in the preliminary rounds.
Junior Phil Olson entered with a strong section performance, but was unable to qualify for the final round in discus.
Senior Mike Dahlke also was unable to escape early elimination in the triple jump.
State newcomer Jenny Anderson, sophomore, came off of her best time at sections to enter the meet. However, a time of 50:27 in the 300 hurdles wasnít good enough to make the final cut.
Only one athlete from the four who qualified entered the final round.
Senior Sheena Devine, last yearís third place shotput winner, returned to state competition looking to throw well and to beat her previous scores.
At sections, she qualified with a throw of 42 feet, 8 inches, a 6 inches improvement over her final attempt last year. She was ready to step it up.
Both preliminary and final rounds commenced Saturday, one right after the other. Devine qualified in the top 9 and prepared for the final round.
In a tense final round, Devine scored an amazing 45 feet, 4.25 inches, crushing last yearís NBHS record and putting her in a decisive third place with a 3 foot lead on Irondaleís Amanda Benz.
Unfortunately, Devine fell less than 6î short of Chisago Lakesí Kari Schmidt, who took second with a measurement of 45 feet, 10 inches. Returning champion Liz Podomonick of Lakeville defended her title with a winning attempt of 49í10.75î.
The competition was no doubt a success for Devine, who had said her goal was to throw farther than 43 feet.
Although the Vikings only brought home one medal from the state meet, the team will recover. And with Olson and Anderson returning next year, bringing with them state competition experience, next yearís track team from North Branch could have a strong showing.

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