Rain thwarted another Arlington, Blair and Fremont track and field triangular.
Two days later, though, the Eagles and Bears improvised and held what BHS coach Bryan Soukup described as a “competitive practice.” AHS hosted Thursday afternoon and both Washington County teams set outdoor marks for the first time this spring.
“Just to get it in was a success,” Arlington coach Steven Gubbels said. “We haven't had it in a long time.”
Between weather and COVID-19 cancellations, the scheduled triangular hasn't been contested in years. The Tigers didn't make the reschedule, but both the Bears and Eagles were happy to compete for top times before the track season gets into full swing.
“We told the kids, 'Just go out and compete,'” Soukup said. “We tried to get everybody in at least a couple of races.”
As a result, Blair senior Erika Roehrs was able to clear some hurdles after the sound of a starting gun. Her teammates did, too.
“All of our coaches did a good job stressing that even if it doesn't feel like a real meet, we need to compete,” the returning state-qualifier said.
Roehrs noted the dual provided good experience for the Bears' 32 freshmen, who were a little bit nervous coming into the day.
“Once they got on the track, we did some really good things,” she said.
Arlington senior Colby Grefe said the races ran Thursday will help get the Eagles' outdoor season going.
“After the first one got canceled, we just more wanted to get people marks,” he said.
Those starting points are important as Arlington moves forward.
“Like I told them, 'Now you can set some goals,'” Gubbels recalled.
In the last huddle of the day, the coach asked who on the team set personal bests. Several Eagles raised their hands, which brought a smile across his face.
“We'll get into the nitty-gritty and look at what everybody got,” Gubbels said.
All-in-all, the “competitive practice” was a success.
“We saw a lot of good performances today,” Soukup said. “And got out of it what we wanted to get out of it.”
Roehrs enjoyed herself, too.
“I'm glad we had this today,” she said.
The cold air in Grefe's lungs didn't even bother him.
“Not bad,” he explained. “Training has definitely helped that a lot. We were ready to come out here and compete. It was good.”
The Arlington and Blair track teams will meet again at a Class B district meet. Next, though, Arlington competes 12:30 p.m. today at West Point-Beemer, while Blair competes 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Ralston.
