By JONNY ZAWACKI

News Sports Writer

For not being able to practice outdoors for more than a few days, the Alpena boys and girls track teams held their own against Big North Conference rivals Traverse City Central and Cadillac on Wednesday at Thunder Bay Junior High School.

“Despite having a small team, our girls run hard and I was very impressed with our efforts today. There was definitely some high points and some other areas where we need to improve on. We have a lot of great athletes, just not a lot of depth” Girls Track coach Joy Bullis said.

The Alpena girls track team excelled in the hurdles where the Wildcats had two top three finishers in the 100. Taylor Foster finished first and Savannah Thomson finished in third. Another standout for Alpena was Katie Mack who placed first in the high jump (5’2). Mack also finished second in the 400m (1:05.54).

“We’re still getting in shape and a lot of our girls competed in several events. Our key is to fine tune and get everyone into shape, because regionals are in four weeks. I am happy with the smiles and happy with the heart that they show and that will pay off,” Bullis said.

The Boys turned in an impressive showing as well led by Mitch Day who broke a track record in the 3200, finishing first with a time of 6:36.59, breaking the previous record that was set at 6:42. Other first place finishers for the Wildcats were Trevor Roznowski in the discus (126.4) and Arar Sahawnek in the 100 (11.85).

“It was good to get one in under our belt at home. I was very pleased with the effort from the guys. We have some more work to do, its been unfortunate we haven’t been able to be outdoors much, but I am hoping we’ll continue to get better. Today was a good starting point and we need to keep getting better,” Boys Track coach Bob Bennett said.

Top finishers for the Alpena boys include: 100 Dash, Arar Sahawnek (1st, 11.85), Shot Put, Trevor Roznowski (2nd, 47’2), 400 Dash, Levi Goebel (3rd), 200 Dash, Wade Roznowski (3rd, 25.19), 3200 Run, Mitch Day (1st, 6:36.59), Discus, Trevor Roznowski (1st, 126.4), Discus, Randy Udell (120’4).

Top finishers for the Alpena girls include: 100 Hurdles, Taylor Foster (1st), 100 Hurdles, Savannah Thomson (3rd), High Jump, Katie Mack (1st, 5’2), 400m, Katie Mack (2nd, 1:05.54), Discus, Morgan Jewell (2nd, 106.1), 300 Hurdles, Taylor Foster (2nd, 52.88), 300 Hurdles, Savannah Thomson (3rd, 54.2), 200m, Emma Jore (3rd, 31.95).