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Sports
Sports
By Patrick Browne
Hardly three weeks since the last significant snowfall was cleared from the Forest Park track, the Skyline Central Conference track season is winding down. To live in the Upper Peninsula is to acknowledge that although the spring sports season is attenuated throughout the Midwest, nowhere can it be more attenuated than Upper Michigan.
On Monday, May 22 10 boy’s teams and 11 girl’s teams lined up for the Skyline Central Conference Meet. When the scores were tallied, the Forest Park boys finished fourth out of 10 teams, while the Lady Trojans finished seventh out of 11.
Although the team finishes were not particularly noteworthy, individual efforts were truly impressive. A number of first place medals were earned and all were awarded to athletes who will be returning next year.
Sophomore Kevin Giuliani’s first place discus throw of 121 feet beat second place by an astounding seven feet. Despite being a division three school, Giuliani’s throw would have qualified him for state competition in division 2 and was truly an impressive toss. “Kevin’s been working so hard with technique and in the weight room. He’s driven and his goals are front and center,” stated Coach Lindsey Anderson.
“I could definitely tell when it came off my finger, it was going to be a good throw. I almost fell after the toss and was surprised how far it had gone!” stated Conference Champion Giuliani.
Fellow Trojan Junior Gaven Rintala, a solid athlete who appears to be more of a halfback than a distance runner, once again showed he is a contender for the Upper Peninsula champion in the 800-meter, 1600 meter and 3200-meter runs. He bested the conference in the 1600 meters and came in second in both the 800 and 3200. It is a rare athlete who is able to compete in the top tier at all three distances.
“He has really taken another step in not just his training but learning the strategy within races and learning the effects of proper diet and hydration. He is really fun to watch.” stated Coach Kurt Anderson.
While the Lady Trojans finished further down the list as a team, freshmen Ava Fischer placed first in both the 100 meter and 300-meter hurdles. In winning by close to two seconds in the 300 meters, Fischer demonstrated she is ready for the Upper Peninsula Championships. Coach Lindsey Anderson could not have been more thrilled, acknowledging what quickly becomes apparent to everyone who meets her, “She’s a fierce competitor.”
Junior Charlie Larson earned a second-place finish in the pole vault. In clearing 8 feet she beat third place by four inches. “Charlie looked terrific in the pole vault. She vaulted confidently and I am excited for her at U.P.s.”
With the Upper Peninsula Finals slated for June 3 in Kingsford, Forest Park should be well represented and have an opportunity to see a medal or two.