Forest Park takes first in both boy’s and girl’s invitational

By Patrick Browne
CRYSTAL FALLS — The Forest Park Trojans could not have asked for a more beautiful day. With temperatures in the low 60s, almost no wind, and the sun gently shining through sparse cloud cover, both the boy’s and girl’s track teams took home first place trophies. 
Lindsay Anderson’s first victory as the boy’s track coach was accompanied by her husband Kurt’s first victory as the girl’s track coach.
As the team’s bus arrived to participate in the North Dickinson Invitational in Felch on May 8, the boys lined up against five area teams and never looked back. Of the 17 events which comprise a varsity track meet, the Trojans took first or second in 12 of the events.
Besting the field and winning first place by a convincing 53 points, Forest Park was led by Gaven Rintala who placed first in the 800, 1600 and 3200 meter runs. Garnering 30 points for the Trojans, Rintala could have earned fifth place in the meet by himself. Assisted by Grayson Sundell, Sam McKissack, Jackson Post and a cadre of other athletes, the team had a day which will not soon be forgotten.
The Lady Trojans, led by coach Kurt Anderson, also garnered first place accolades by beating four other teams and winning by 21 points. Finishing first in the shot put, 400-meter dash and 300-meter hurdles and taking second in the discus, 100-meter hurdles, 4-by-100 meter relay and the 200 meter dash, the Trojans placed well in all events and thus were able to tuck away points in almost every event. When the totals were added a steady effort proved most efficacious. 
Ava Fischer placed first in the 300-meter hurdles and shot put and second in the 100-meter hurdles, while freshman Elsie Williams took first in the 400 and second in the 200-meter dash. Assisting in the effort for the Lady Trojans were Lauren Kudwa, Tatum Clark and a plethora of others who gave it their all.
“What a great day to be a Trojan,” said coach Lindsey Anderson. “Taking home not just one, but two team trophies is something our program hasn’t had the privilege of doing for a number of years. Both our girls and guys teams all excelled today. I’m so proud of each and every one of them.”