Newport harriers, hurdlers take on two invites

PRIEST RIVER - The Newport High School track and field team split their forces between two events last week, including the Priest River Invite at Priest River Lamanna jr./Sr. High and the Van Kuren Invite in Cheney Saturday, April 19.

John Spring broke a school record coming in 8th place in the 3200-meter race with a time of 13:41.77 at the Priest River Invite. Caydin Hoisington was hot on his heels at 14:40.59 in ninth place. Lucas Saari claimed nineth in javelin, throwing 89-feet, 2-inches. Meleana McPherson took seventh in girls’ shot put with 19 feet 9.5inches.

She also went on to place 10th in discus with 53 feet 5 inches.

Over at Cheney High School Damien Hamberg won fifth in high jump at the Van Kuren Invite, breaking a Newport school record at 5’10”. Olivia Collins took eighth in the girls’ 3200-meter at 12:12.27. Hailey Davison placed ninth in the triple jump at 32 feet 2 inches.

Including Newport there were 26 teams at the Van Kuren Invite.

Up next, the Grizzlies will host the annual Barry Sartz Memorial Relays at Don Ellersick Memorial Field Saturday, April 26. The first event starts at 10 a.m. Newport is also hosting the NE2B League Meet No. 3 Thursday, May 1 with the first event starting at 3:30 p.m.