Post Falls shocks
BOISE – Post Falls High track coach Wade Quesnell came to the State 4A meet not expecting much. So imagine his bliss in carting home two team trophies before the school moves to 5A next year.
The Trojans girls captured second behind champion Moscow, and the Trojans boys took fourth as the State 4A and 5A meets concluded Friday evening at Boise State University’s Bronco Stadium.
Moscow’s girls tallied 66 points to finish four ahead of Post Falls. Bishop Kelly captured first place in the boys with 74 points, while Post Falls ended with 59.5.
“Maybe we were better than I thought we were,” a partly puzzled but exhilarated Quesnell said of his teams. “When we started the year I thought we’d be all right. But we just got better and better and better. Maybe we’re just that good. I’ve been coaching 23 to 24 years, and both teams are maybe the hardest-working, on-task, self-disciplined teams I’ve ever coached. I had no problems with any kids all year.”
Trojans Nick Mehalechko and Circe Cansino led several contributions with individual state titles.
Mehalechko was practically sprinting out of the blocks in the 100 meters as he prevailed in 11.16 seconds, topping runner-up Jon Dalley of Pocatello by nine-hundredths of a second.
Cansino nailed what would prove to be the winning vault in the long jump on her first attempt, going a career-best 17-1 1/2.
“To see Nick go out with a state title in the 100 had to be one of the highlights in my career,” Quesnell said.
Mehalechko couldn’t explain his emotions afterward. He’s tickled that the 2007 state track program will have his mug shot as a state champion.
“People have been asking me how it feels, and I’m excited now, but I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” Mehalechko said. “After we get our medals and the pictures are taken and they announce it, I think I’ll be able to fully realize what I did.”
Mehalechko, who took fourth in the 200 (22.51), teamed with Steve Hudec, Bryce Derrickson and Brad Reynolds to take second in the 800 relay (1:31.59).
Much like Mehalechko, Cansino didn’t have state-title expectations either, especially after finishing seventh the last two years.
“I don’t really know what I expected, I just wanted to win it really, really bad,” Cansino said after her first jump put her in first to stay.
Moscow’s girls took a big step toward securing the state title by winning the 400 relay (50.28).
Other top area 4A placers: Reynolds took second in the 300 hurdles (40.51) and third in the 110 hurdles (15.37); Derrickson took second in the 400 (49.97); Angie Whalen of Post Falls took third in the 1,600 (5:18.91) and third in the 800 (2:22.05); teammate Melissa McFadden took fourth in the 800 (2:22.99); Post Falls girls 800 relay took second (1:47.27); Courtney Adams of Sandpoint took fourth in the 200 (26.28); Caitlin Sanchez of Moscow took third in the 100 (12.83); and Meredith Dolny of Moscow took fourth in the 100 hurdles (16.42).
In 5A, Borah’s boys and girls swept to teams titles. Borah’s boys captured a third straight championship with 79 points, edging out runner-up Lewiston (77.5), while Borah’s girls made it two in a row with 125 points to runner-up Skyline’s 85.
Lewiston’s boys will wonder what could have been after a dropped baton in their 400 relay. The bobble occurred on the final exchange while the Bengals were battling between second and third. The relay finished eighth to earn a point, but it could have been the difference in a state title.
First-year Lewiston coach Keith Stuffle chose to dwell on the positive of earning a state trophy instead of bemoaning a state title dropped or lost.
“We had a great meet,” Stuffle said. “I just told the boys … after the meet I went down into the concourse and knelt down and said a prayer. I said, ‘Thanks for the failures and thanks for the successes.’ Because that’s what makes this special. I told the kids before the meet the other day I said, ‘Embrace them all. Because these are all memories you’ll never forget. And if you know you gave everything on that field then walk out with your head hung high and embrace the failures and the successes of life because those are the memories you have.’ “
Lewiston senior Matt Grogan doubled, winning the long jump (23-9 1/4) and the 300 hurdles (39.34). He also took second in the 110 hurdles (15.11).
AshLee Rey, who transferred from Priest River to Lewiston this year, took first in the 400 (57.97) and anchored the winning 1,600 relay (4:03.32).
Coeur d’Alene junior Michael Armon capped his comeback by placing third in the 1,600 (4:26.77). He walked away proud he was able to run, let alone compete.
He promised he’ll return in the fall to seek a state title in cross country and he wants to return to the top of the awards stand in track next year.
Dana Morgan of Boise did something no female long-distance runner had before her by breaking the 5-minute barrier in winning the 1,600 (4:59.45).
Other top area 5A placers: the Lewiston boys took second in the 1,600 relay (3:24.39); John Coyle of Lake City took second in the 800 (1:57.14) and fourth in the 1,600 (4:29.27); Dominic Schmidt of Lewiston was third in the 200 (22.1) and 400 (50.42); Robert Glasson of LC took fourth in the 400 (50.95).