It was a gilded week for junior high track and field athletes who managed to bring home 12 medals from the Zone 5 Junior High Track and Field Championships at St. Albert’s Fowler Athletic Park June 2.
“Most of the kids who did medal and ribbon are kids who spent a lot of time in class working hard,” said St. Mary School gym teacher Darcy Romanuik.
“We held after school practices and what you put in is what you get out. They took the time to get better and the results showed.”
St. Mary had a memorable showing with in one gold, three silver and a bronze.
Romanuik said the wins were especially impressive because of the stiff competition. Many athletes who attend the meet practice year-round, presenting an intimidating challenge for the out-of-towners.
“It was an eye-opener,” Romanuik acknowledged. “Some of our Grade 7s, they haven’t seen something like that before. Having our elimination, then our divisionals kind of calmed their nerves.
“Going to another school, if you have that nervousness, you don’t really want to show it. If you come home with a personal best, that’s usually pretty good.”
Ten students from Pembina North Community School also made the trip, bringing home four medals.
Principal Darcie Eamor made the trip with students and said that although they were nervous, athletes were still excited to be part of the competition.
“It’s a lot of fun for them,” Eamor said.
“Our students go as a group, so it’s fun for them just to be able to spend the day with kids from other schools.”
With PNCS being one of the smaller schools, Eamor added that her students’ performance was all the more impressive.
“They’re competing against students all the way to Jasper and it’s not something that we have a lot of time to devote to. It really demonstrates their athleticism.”
It was also a good weekend for R.F. Staples School, with three athletes standing on the podium.
“It was perfect weather for a track meet,” said R.F. Staples gym teacher Kyle Beattie. “The kids that have been there before a couple of times know that it’s very stiff competition. They’re just trying to do their best to compete and hit their personal best.”
Beattie said that many athletes from the school hit their personal best at the meet, placing R.F. Staples fifth in total points.
“We’re quite a bit smaller than St. Albert or Northern Gateway, so we have a less of an athlete pool to choose from, but at the same time we do actually hold our own.
“Even to qualify to go to the competition leaves them happy.”
Though no one from Eleanor Hall landed on the podium, gym teacher Curtis Thompson said the school’s three athletes still had an excellent showing, with one, Mackenzie Shank, finishing fourth in shot put. He said that the zones are a good chance for athletes at the smaller school to hone their skills.
“At our school, they do all sports, so it’s harder to zero in on just one event,” he said. “The experience makes them good, well-rounded athletes.”
