Area track and field teams turned in strong showings at the St. Mary’s Roughrider Invitational Friday night, with multiple local programs delivering balanced performances despite challenging spring conditions.
Benjamin Logan’s boys squad put together a consistent effort across nearly the entire meet, scoring in 16 of 17 events to finish third overall with 80 points, trailing only West Liberty-Salem (163) and Defiance (132.5).
Benjamin Logan Boys – 3rd Place (80 points)
The Raiders leaned on depth and versatility, picking up points in sprints, distance races, relays, and field events throughout the evening.
Their top finish came in the 4×400 relay, where Cooper Buck, Carter Buck, Tyler Shoopman, and Davis Matthews placed second in 3:39.91.
Several third-place finishes helped anchor the team score. Gus Bibart took third in the shot put (42-8), while Gavin Jordan added a strong run in the 800 (2:09.06, PR). The 4×800 relay team of Jordan, Maxwell Troth, Brock Henry, and Shoopman also placed third, along with the 4×200 relay squad of Alex Hassel, Matthews, Candin Tucker, and Carter Buck.
Benjamin Logan continued to stack points with multiple fourth-place finishes, including Roman Maxwell in the high jump (5-10) and Bibart in the discus (131-0). Cooper Buck contributed in both hurdle events, placing fourth in the 110 hurdles and 300 hurdles, while Shoopman added another fourth-place finish in the 800. The 4×100 relay team also placed fourth.
Additional scoring came from Roman Maxwell (5th, long jump), Kyle Kibler (6th, pole vault), and several seventh- and eighth-place finishes across distance and sprint events, highlighting the team’s overall depth.
The Raiders return to action Tuesday at Fairbanks for a tri-meet.
Benjamin Logan Girls – 5th Place (70 points)
The Lady Raiders also delivered a well-rounded performance, finishing fifth in a competitive field while overcoming roster challenges and cold, blustery conditions.
Abby Vance led the way with a standout meet, winning the long jump (17-0) and placing second in the 200 (26.88). She also played a key role on two relay teams, helping the 4×200 squad (Daylin Varner, Storm LeVan, Scarlett Elliott, Vance) to a third-place finish and the 4×100 team to fourth.
In the field events, Kyla Godwin earned a runner-up finish in the discus (109-9), while Madi Oakes cleared 4-10 for second in the high jump. Autumn Cline added a fourth-place finish in the shot put.
Distance runners contributed valuable points as well. The 4×800 relay team (Elliott Butler, Lottie Bodin, Paislee Rodenberger, Mollie Siefring) placed fifth, and Siefring later added a seventh-place finish in the 3200.
Additional scoring came from the 4×400 relay team (6th), Scarlett Elliott (4th, pole vault), and Storm LeVan (7th, long jump), as the Raiders found ways to compete across all 17 events.
Coaches noted the team’s adaptability, with several athletes stepping into unfamiliar events to help cover lineup gaps, ultimately contributing to the strong finish.
Benjamin Logan will next compete Tuesday at Fairbanks High School in a quad meet as they continue preparing for the CBC Championships.
