Roughriders go strong to the finish
By Adam Thomas, BHG News Service
The swan song for the best of the best this track season has come and gone over the weekend with the state track meet held at the Bismarck Bowl. The Southern McLean Roughriders toughed out the two-day event that provided an assortment of varying results for the team. “The state meet was a mixed bag of emotions and weather. While we battled the rain, cold winds, and intense sun, we celebrated some accomplishments and faced some disappointments,” said Southern McLean track coach Shayla Sinclair. The Wilton eighth grade standout, Abigail Waloch, had a pair of outstanding finishes against the state’s top competition. Running in the 1600m run for only her second time, she beat out a field of more experienced runners and took third place. As for her signature 800 meter race where she was undefeated all year long, Waloch finished in second place in the state meet behind a three-time defending champion from Thompson. “Abi put it all together in her mile to knock nine seconds off of her personal best and beat many seasoned runners,” said Coach Sinclair. “In the 800 meter, she did a great job sticking with the top runners and making her move and strong finishes at the right times. To have that sense of strategy and confidence at such a young age is pretty non-typical. She has a bright future ahead of her if she keeps the same work ethic she has now.” As the running coach, Sinclair said she was particularly pleased with how their boys' relay teams performed.
