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Demers leads Broncos to 2nd place at Invitational

FELCH — It was cloudy and chilly for Tuesday’s North Dickinson Invitational track meet, but it didn’t hinder the performances of Masyn Alexa or Hailee Demers in any way, shape or form.

Alexa won three individual races and helped the Nordics take the 1600-meter relay, leading the home team to victory with 159 points. They were followed by Bark River-Harris 91 and Carney-Nadeau 73 1/2.

“Masyn absolutely had a big meet,” said Nordics’ coach Mike Roell. “Skye Ledzian won shot put and discus for us and Brianna Smith got us some big points in the distances. I think our depth was definitely a big factor. We got a lot of seconds, thirds, fourths and fifths. Our times weren’t as fast as we’re used to, but the kids worked real hard. I’m really proud of them.”

Demers celebrated her 18th birthday by helping BR-H dominate the sprint relays, adding a first in the 300 hurdles (50.7) and taking third in the 100 (13.48).

“I messed up on one hurdle, but it went okay other than that,” said Demers. “I usually try to keep a steady pace. I try to go out at about 80 percent and try to pick it up in the end. I think our handoffs are getting better in the relays. It’s cold, but I think we did pretty good.”

The Norway boys won with 125 points and Stephenson edged Northwood Storm 96-86 for the runner-up spot.

“Our depth absolutely helped us,” said Norway coach Al Trudeau. “We got plenty of fourths, fifths and sixths and those points add up. Having 25 boys on the team also helps. Running in the cold is hard. We had to make sure they stayed warm and keep them going.”

Alexa won the girls’ 100-meter dash in 13.36 seconds, 200 (28.19) and 400 (1:04.54), edging Stephenson senior Amanda Starzynski in the 100 and 200. Starzynski was clocked at 13.46 and 28.38, respectively.

“I always felt I ran better in the cold,” said Alexa. “I find it’s easier to breathe. It doesn’t feel like my throat is closing in. Early in the season, much depends on who has the most left in the end.”

Ledzian had tosses of 31 feet, 10 1/4 inches in shot put and 97-6 in discus. Smith won the 1600 (6:16.91) and took second in the 800 (2:52.52) and 3200 (14:48.88) and third in long jump (12-7) and Hannah Clark copped pole vault (7-6).

Freshman Katie Viau added a first for BR-H in the 100 hurdles (18.31).

“I was surprised we won the 400 and 800 relays by as much as we did, although Stephenson was missing a lot of girls,” said BR-H coach Katina Demers. “I’m really excited for the girls. They all work real hard. It was nice to see them have some success and Hailee do so well on her birthday.

“The boys also work so hard. It was nice to see them get a few medals. Hopefully, this was a confidence boost for them.”

Junior Kristin Charlier provided Carney-Nadeau with a first in the 800 (2:47.53). Starzynski copped long jump (15-4) and North Central took first in the 3200 relay (11:51.06).

Norway’s Mitch Legrave took the boys’ 100 (11.91) and was runner-up in the 200 (23.72) by .08 second to Stephenson senior Montell Glover and second in long jump (18-4 1/2).

“Mitch did well,” said Trudeau. “Our field events and relays also did pretty well. This is a good meet and Cory (Roell) does a great job keeping it moving.”

Norway’s David Loomis won pole vault (11-0) and Northwood Storm’s Brent Dumke took long jump (18-6 3/4).

Forest Park’s Mason Rintala became a double-winner, taking the 1600 (5:08.61) and 3200 (11:11.01) and Stephenson’s Chandler Tisher won shot put (36-4 3/4) and discus (116-9 1/4).

North Central junior Leo Gorzinski took the 400 (55.48) and C-N junior Jake Blahnik won high jump (5-2).

Many area teams resume in Friday’s Stephenson Invitational. Norway then hosts its invitational Monday.

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