Kicking off Memorial Day weekend in style, the Montezuma-Cortez High School track teams traveled to Mancos for the Mancos Bluejay Invitational on May 29 and produced more than their fair share of solid results.

Among the standout performers for the girls team was junior Avery Wright, who raced to top finishes in the 100-meter dash (12.80) and the 200-meter dash (27.00) while leaving little doubt as to her status as the fastest female runner in Southwest Colorado.

Also burning down the track on her way to two impressive finishes was Devon McHenry, who placed first in the 100-meter hurdles (17.48) and second in the 300-meter hurdles (51.47). Sophia Shepard finished first in the triple jump (32 feet, 6½ inches) and second in the 200-meter dash (28.69).

Other top five finishers for the Lady Panthers included Cassandra McCully, who finished third in the 100-meter hurdles (18.38) and fifth in the 300-meter hurdles (51.47), and Kenzie Houston, who crossed the line third in the 100-meter dash (13.77).

Savannah Hasselroth rounded out the members of her team that finished in the top-five of an individual event when she tied for fourth place in the high jump (4 feet, 4 inches).

As a team, the M-CHS girls finished second in the 12-team meet behind meet champion Durango High School.

While some of the M-CHS boys’ top performers were missing as a result of the holiday weekend, the team enjoyed its several solid finishes, including those produced by Zander Cruzan, who won the 100-meter dash (11.65) and the 200-meter dash (23.39).

John Whyte finished fourth in the 800-meter run (2:06.91), and Wes Atcitty rounded out his team’s individual finishers when he crossed the line fifth in the 300-meter hurdles (48.11).

The M-CHS boys finished seventh out of 12 teams. Durango High School claimed the team championship.

Next up for both M-CHS track teams will be the Montrose Invitational on June 4.