State track: Best in AA: Ogden, Tokarz, Johnson
BOZEMAN — He already beat the all-class record, so when Flathead’s Matthew Tokarz stepped up for his final triple jump of the day, he did so with every intent to beat that record again.
Tokarz moved up his starting position, ran full speed then hop, skipped and jumped his way seven inches past his own state record, setting the new mark at 48 feet, 9 1/2 inches and winning the state championship. The mark beat the previous all-class state record, set in 1983, by 7 1/2 inches and the Class AA record, set in 1972 by 15 1/2 inches. In fact, the jump was more than a foot and a half farther than the best mark set at last week’s Big Sky Conference championships and is in the top 20 prep jumps in the nation this season.
“That’s big time,” Flathead boys track coach Dan Hodge said.
“That’s a real impressive distance. He pushed the board, his timing was fantastic.”
Officials at the meet told Tokarz after his second jump he already had the record. With the crowd in the stands clapping in unison and a small army of onlookers gathering around the pits, he gave the audience a show.
“I wanted to beat (the record) as bad as I could,” Tokarz said.
“It was a perfect way to go out. I’ve had a great senior year so far, but definitely the last few days have been the best.”
Tokarz’s mark was one of six all-class or Class AA records set on Saturday, with perfect conditions for athletes on the track and in the field.
Glacier’s Todd Ogden set the Class AA record in the javelin, winning his third state championship in the event in the process. His throw of 210-8 beat the old class record by more than 5 feet.
Just as impressive, Wolfpack teammates Taylor Hulslander (193-2) and Shelton Todd (192-2) also set personal bests, finishing second and third, respectively, in the javelin.
The Glacier boys finished second in team scoring, falling off pace in the final relay to eventual winner Missoula Big Sky.
Troy Fraley finished second in the 3,200-meter run (9:20.98), falling behind only a record-setting performance from Hellgate’s Adam Peterman (9:12.38), who set a new all-class mark in the race. Flathead’s Zach Perrin finished third (9:25.8)
“We’re so proud of the boys that went down,” Glacier boys coach Arron Deck said. “There weren’t any disappointments. Everyone stepped up and did what they’re supposed to do.
Kwyn Johnson defended her state title in the triple jump, out-bounding Glacier’s Leah Cook on her final attempt. Cook, who had been an inch in front with a mark of 37-4, ended second after Johnson flew by with a mark of 37-10.
Flathead’s Dani Davis finished second in the 100, following only behind Great Falls C.M. Russell’s Anna Weber, who set a new Class AA record in the prelims. Glacier’s Tessa Krueger finished second in the discus and Flathead managed to place in both relays despite losing a few runners to injuries. Flathead finished in fourth place as a team, 2 1/2 points off the podium.
“The kids did great. There’s nothing more you could ask for,” Flathead girls coach Tom Gillespie said.