Small schools run big at McGregor Invitational

With Dave Foster and Phil Trout each coaching track and field programs, one thing is always for certain – their teams are always going to have fun.

And, they’re pretty talented, too.

The Cromwell-Wright girls and the Barnum boys excelled at the McGregor Invitational Tuesday, as the squads each took second place in their division.

The Cardinals racked up 106 points, falling behind champion Mille Lacs on the girls side, while the Bombers tallied 92 points to trail only Floodwood for the boys.

“I was happy with our performance,” said Foster about his Cardinals. “We didn’t have a full crowd of kids with us, but the meet was very enjoyable.”

Trout agreed.

“The kids did a great job,” he said. “They did very well in most of the events and things are really coming along for us right now.”

AlBrook and Wrenshall participated Tuesday as well and all eight local boys and girls squads fared well in the small-town meet.

Seniors Ashley Collman and Jordan Smith have paced the Cards this spring. Collman looks to repeat as section champion in the 400-meter dash, while Smith defends his 800- and 1600-meter crowns in the section.

On the boys side for Barnum, Trout explained the dominance of juniors Kyle Rogers in the high jump and Andrew Youngren in the discus. He also noted the talented the girls, coached by Patty Jerde.

Foster’s squad also has some impressive youngsters.

“This is the most kids I’ve ever seen come out for track,” said Foster of the 45 students in the program. “We have a lot of new faces, and so far, we’ve had a good start to things. We got some fast kids, good relays and decent throwers. We’re looking good.”

Trout’s Bombers are nearly a mirror image.

“We have a lot of junior high kids out for the team this season,” he said. “They’re young but talented and have been fantastic so far this spring. They have a lot of potential. We could even get a couple kids to state this year.”

Being able to train outside so early this spring has been a plus for both programs.

“The temperatures have been awesome,” said Foster. “We’re usually outside for practice, but not this early. It really has been nice to get outdoors.”

Tags: track and field, sports, track