PROVO — Holding true to the format of this young track season, the weather ended up playing a factor in the Mount Timpanogos Invitational on Friday.
The wind started blowing and the temperature dropped quickly on the second day of competition at Timpview High.
"This is our fourth meet, and three of them have been in rain and snow," said Timpview boys coach Brian Kuhlmann. "The kids are getting used to it. You'd think we live in Washington or something."
The home T-Birds demonstrated their affinity to the cold weather as Timpview's boys team ran away with the team title, besting second place Orem by a score of 167-100.
On the girl's side, Orem came back from an early deficit to take the championship over Springville, finishing with 136.3 points. As one of the first state qualifying events of the season, the invite consistently draws some of the top teams from the 4A and 3A classification.
This weekend was no different, as many prepsters were able to withstand the elements and post qualifying marks.
"It's really fun when things start happening, when you have kids that start qualifying for state, and we're not even into April yet," Kuhlmann said.
Timpview was able to pick up points all over the track, and received strong help from the field events. Bennett Wilson started it out quickly for the T-Birds, doubling for titles in the 110- and 300-meter hurdle races. Stephen Paea also was a double winner for Timpview in the shot put and discus, qualifying for the 4A state meet with a throw of 138-4 in the discus. A victory by Jaren Goodwin in the 400m, and a team relay title in the Medley propelled the T-Birds to the front of the pack. "It's been a surprise to me to see how well these kids are doing," Kuhlmann said. "When you put together a team, you just don't know. But these guys are coming along real well. We haven't been beaten yet this year."
For the girls, Orem's Mindy Robins dominated in the hurdle events, winning both the 100 and 300m distances. The Tigers also picked up points in the distance events, as Krystal Harper and Kendy Christensen followed up a 2-3 finish in the 1,600 by taking first and second in the 3,200.
Taryn Young triumphed for Orem in the high jump, clearing 4-feet, 10-inches to break a four-way tie in the event.
Lehi's Christina Measom had a monster meet as she took home the titles in the 100, 200, and 400 meter sprints.
In individual boys performances, North Sanpete demonstrated the team speed that will serve them well this season, as Kyle Noorlander and Tyson Church took first and second in both the 100- and 200-meter sprints.
Orem's squad flexed its muscles once again, as Race Ostler won the 1600 meter with a time of 4:33, and the 3200m in 9:57.