Both the Emery and Carbon track teams will be traveling this weekend to separate invitational track meets. Todd Jeffs and Jimmy Jewkes have one major goal in mind: qualify.
Though many athletes have already qualified for the state competition at BYU in May, there are others who could this weekend.
Blue Mountain Championship, Blanding:
In the 2nd Annual Blue Mountain Championship Saturday, Carbon will look to snag the traveling trophies that are awarded to the top boys and girls teams at the meet. In the inaugural event last year, Uintah took both trophies. With every school in Eastern Utah invited, there will be plenty of competition for the Dinos and for other teams, including Green River and Pinnacle.
“The girls are the marked team,” said Jewkes. Carbon has already qualified four high jumpers for state including, Giovanna Chiara, Abbie Powell, Jade Moynier and Lexi Monson. Jewkes hopes to add Shelby Cornforth and Morgan Hillam to that list this weekend.
Learning the point system employed at the BYU Invitational next weekend is something Jewkes wants his athletes to learn.
“It is a big deal to place in the top eight to pull points,” he said.
The boys team will be without Garrett Marsing who will be competing in Cedar City at the Southern Utah University High School Coliseum Championship. Marsing will compete against the best runners in the state in the 800 and 3200 meter races.
Jewkes has goals for each of his teams, but the biggest it to simply qualify more athletes for state. He also wants to bring something home with him to Price.
“We want the trophies,” Jewkes said.
Nyle Norris Invitational, Richfield:
Coach Jeffs echoed Jewkes’ goals in that he wants to qualify more of his athletes for the state championship.
Standouts Ashlynn Allred (100 and 200 meter), Peyton Jeffs (high jump) and Ryan Cox (100 and 200 meter) have already qualified for state, but will look to test themselves against some of the best in the state. An estimated 15-20 track teams from 1-4A will be represented at the meet, but Jeffs is looking for one thing in particular.
“We are just looking to qualify those who have yet to qualify,” he said.
Upcoming meets include the BYU Invitational May 2-3 in Provo and the Utah State Championships May 16-17 at the same location.