Evan Fisher competes in the high jump at the Ogallala Invitational last week en route to the fourth place medal. The CCS junior also won the high hurdles and was fifth in the discus for a good day despite the poor weather conditions. (Johnson Publications photo)
Kalen Wallin is leading the pack of 1600 meter runners at the Ogallala meet. He finished sixth in a field of strong runners with a personal best time. (Johnson Publications photo)
Longhorn boys capture title at tough Ogallala meet
Longhorn athletes had to deal with some wintery conditions last week at the Ogallala Invitational, even after it was moved a day earlier due to impending snow.
Chase County came away with the win March 28 in the boys’ division—a second straight year—and Coach Carl Zuege believes the way his team warmed up and then competed were keys to the win.
Warming up properly was important in the realm of safety, too, he said, because of the cool, wet and slippery conditions that day.
Chase County captured three firsts as they edged Sidney and Ogallala for first place.
“They wanted to win that meet,” Zuege said of his team.
He was very happy to come away with the championship at a meet that is likely the most competitive they’ll have this season.
In the field of eight teams, Chase County was among just three Class C schools. The other five were Class B.
He also credits the win to another strong showing from the Longhorn throwers, who combined for a total of 28 points in the shot and discus.
There were also several other individual efforts by Chase County athletes that proved to be personal records or just great overall performances, Zuege said.
In the shot, Chase County took first and second on the efforts of Jack Bauerle and Eli Hinojosa. Five inches separated those first and second place throws.
In the discus, Bauerle claimed second, while Evan Fisher earned the fifth place spot.
Zuege said Fisher had a great day overall, placing in all three events in which he competed. He also won the 110 meter high hurdles and placed fourth in the high jump.
Francisco Barrientos ran a personal best 53.78 in the 400 to claim the silver, and represents a good sign of things to come, Zuege noted.
The two meets so far have been shortened with only finals in the running events, and the field events limited to a specified number of throws or jumps.
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