Looking to fine-tune their technique in advance of the Colorado High School State Track and Field Championships, members of the Montezuma-Cortez High School boys’ and girls’ track teams competed in the Grand Junction Invitational on May 10-11.

Among the top finishers for the M-CHS girls’ team was sprinter Aryelle Wright, who placed first in the 200-meter dash (25.70) and second in the 100-meter dash (12.77). Wright also placed in preliminaries of the 400-meter dash (58.84), but elected not to run in finals.

Joining Wright near the top of the podium in two sprinting events was Morgan Short, who placed third in both the 100-meter dash (13.03) and 200-meter dash (26.84). Short finished second in the preliminaries of the 400-meter dash (1:02.15), but elected not to run the event in finals.

Other top finishers for the M-CHS girls’ team included Ashley Wood, who placed third in the 100-meter hurdles (17.03) and fourth in the 300-meter hurdles (50.36), Ridley Dennison, who crossed the line third in the 3200-meter run (14:03.73), and Devon McHenry, who finished seventh in the 100-meter hurdles (19.57).

The M-CHS girls’ team finished fourth in the 16-team meet behind champion Fruita Monument, Palisade and Moffat County.

On the boys’ side, M-CHS was led by Jasen Engel, who placed fourth in the 200-meter dash, and Valentino Rodriguez, who finished fifth in the 100-meter dash (11.55).

Sonny Boren crossed the line seventh in the 200-meter dash (23.34), Cordell Baer finished seventh in the triple jump (40 feet, 10 inches), and Trenton Bagge placed 10th in the 300-meter hurdles (48.35).

The M-CHS boys’ team finished seventh in the 16-team field with 35 points. Palisade High School finished at the top of the boys’ team standings with 110.50 points.

Next up for both M-CHS track teams will be the Colorado High School State Track and Field Championships at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood on May 17-19. A full preview of the state track meet, including information about local qualifiers, will be available online and in print edition of The Journal published on May 18.