Horizon track and field team looks to have repeat performance at Big Sky championships this weekend

The Horizon boys are vying for back-to-back titles and are in the team mix again this season along with host Sherman, Condon-Wheeler and Griswold. Sherman was second in 2015 and edged Horizon for the 2014 title.

“We started out as a small, 10-person team five years ago,” Coach Emma Petshow said. “So the fact that our boys team has a shot to win back-to-back district championships is pretty exciting — not only for the team and the school, but due to the fact that we’re getting more young athletes interested in track and field.”

Horizon has two top-seeded male athletes heading into district: junior Jony Nelson in the 1500 meters and 3000; and junior Luke Holste in the high and low hurdles. The Horizon boys 4x400 relay team also has the fastest qualifying time.

Team depth carried Horizon to last year’s crown and it will be a factor on Saturday, as well.

“We definitely have our multi-event top district ranked athletes, but the reason we’re able to compete for these team championships is because we have depth in all events,” Petshow said. “I tell the athletes, you might not win districts this year, but you have a chance at placing top eight and earn points for the team. These kids are all so team-oriented and want to win for each other, which is the attitude we need to foster success.”

Part of that depth includes senior Salvador Ramirez, who is ranked second in the 1500 and 800; he won the 1500 state title as a junior. Junior Quinn Roetcisoender is ranked among the top six in the pole vault, triple jump and low hurdles. Senior Kameron Brown, out for track and field for the first time, is ranked in the top six in the 400, intermediate hurdles and high jump. Sophomore Andy Hung is ranked in the top six in the 100 and 200. Hung also figures to be a key part of the Hawk relay teams.

“It’s exciting to see the athletic and personal growth in some of our returning athletes like Luke, Jony and Quinn, who not only are excelling in their events, but have been willing to try new things and put themselves out there for the team,” Petshow said.

In the girls team chase, Horizon is ranked behind defending champion Griswold and South Wasco County based on qualifying times and distances. The Hawks have one top seed in sophomore high jumper Paulina Finn, whose 5-foot-2 best is the No. 2 mark in Oregon for 1A competitors.

Horizon returns four others who qualified last season for the 1A championships: junior pole vaulter Savanna Hawk; middle distance runner Kloee Brown; relay team member Miranda Roberts; and relay member Andrew Rinella. Finn also competed at state in 2015, in the triple jump and on Horizon’s 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

The top two finishers in each event at district, and those who meet qualifying standards, will qualify for the state meet May 19 and 20 at Hayward Field on the University of Oregon campus in Eugene.