The three members of the Rye High School track team who attended the state tournament at Jeffco Field in Lakewood did well to represent their school.
Isaiah Guzman, who was seeded 7th in the triple jump, beat his season best by 3.5 inches to win the 4th place medal and give the Rye Boys’ team a 33rd place finish in 2A. Peyton won the boys’ half of the meet with 65 points. Guzman leapt 42’3.5”.
Garrett George ran the 110meter hurdles and lowered his personal record by .2 seconds and moved up two spots from his seeding to finish 14th. George logged a time of 17.22 seconds.
In the long jump, Guzman had a jump of 19’1” which was good for 12th place. He had been seeded 14th.
On the girls’ side Dayspring Christian won the 2A state championship with 90 points. Jordan Holgerson finished 14th in the state with a toss of 31’ 3.25”. That was only Holgerson’s third competition of the season, facing injuries much of the year.
Head Coach Connor Pigg summed it up, “We had a successful state meet despite the rain and the haze.
Catherine Gallegos, girls’ track coach felt strongly about the season as well. “The state qualifiers performed very well at state. Isaiah was our top performer at 4th place in the triple jump with a season best. He also jumped well in the long jump on Saturday placing 12 overall which is very impressive for his first year ever competing in track and field! Garret George also ran to a personal best in the 110m high hurdles beating his time by 0.25 seconds for a 14th place finish. Jordan Holgerson threw well on Saturday for a 14th place finish. Also, impressive coming off her knee injury.”
Gallegos continued, “We are always sad to see our seniors move on. Garret George had a fantastic season with many personal bests. Placing in the top eight in 14 individual events this season. His speed will be missed in the relays.
Devin Samuelson was unable to compete this season due to knee injury, but he was able to be a part of the team as a manager and mentor to many of our younger throwers.”
“John Lopez was also unable to compete for most of the season. His presence at practice and the meets he was able to compete in helped motivate and propel his teammates. His speed will also be missed in the relays,” Gallegos paused.
“Overall, we had a great season! We had an awesome group of athletes who worked hard and improved on a weekly basis. We're looking forward to next spring!”