The Powell High School Indoor Track team capped off its third season with an impressive showing at the Wyoming 3A State Indoor Track Championships in Gillette. With over 40 athletes participating and several standout performances, the team’s growth and determination were on full display.
“Our participation has grown, and I am very thankful for our volunteer assistant coaches,” Assistant Coach Tracy McArthur said. “We would be really understaffed if it wasn’t for Coach Tom Rowley helping with our throwers and Coach Marc McArthur helping with our jumpers.”
Senior Kinley Cooley led the team with a third-place finish in the 3200-meter run and an eighth-place result in the 400-meter dash. Reflecting on the sport, she shared her advice for newcomers.
“My advice for anyone new to track is to try all the events,” Cooley said. “While I am most definitely not good at some of the events out there, I think experiencing them all so you can become a better teammate would be super cool.”
Junior Korbyn Warren earned top-eight placements in two events, finishing fifth in the 3200-meter run and eighth in the 1600-meter. Meanwhile, sophomore Lincoln Crawford excelled in hurdles, claiming fourth place in the 55-meter event. Junior Audrey Johnson followed close behind in the same event, securing a fifth-place finish.
“The girls teams placed 8th overall and the boys team placed 10th,” McArthur said. “Paige Sanders received All-State recognition in both the triple jump and long jump by placing 2nd in both of those events.”
Sanders was one of the two Panthers to place in field events. The other was junior Anai Torres, in shot put. Torres had a blast and placed 6th.
“When you were in the ring, you could feel the intensity that was in the air, as everyone was focused on their technique,” Torres said. “Placing 6th in the meet was honestly such a bittersweet moment. While I was proud to have made it to the top eight, I knew that my throws weren’t the best that day.”
Senior Liam Taylor added to the boys’ team performance with a fifth-place finish in the 800-meter run. For the girls’ team, freshman Maci Velasco placed eighth in the 1600-meter, rounding out a strong showing in the middle and long-distance events, performances that earned praise from their coach.
“The way our kids compete, they always represent Powell with class and integrity,” Coach McArthur said. “They step in and help when needed, whether that is raking a pit or helping a competitor off the track.”
The Powell Indoor Track team’s third season reflected not only its achievements but also the commitment and camaraderie that define the program. As the athletes transition to outdoor track, they’ll carry forward the lessons learned and the bonds formed this winter.
“My favorite part of track so far has been all of the friends I have made,” said Cooley. “Especially all of them I have been fortunate enough to meet on other teams. All of the people who I have met during track have been some of the best friends I’ve ever made.”
