Ram track claims fourth in Lovington

The Portales Ram and Lady Ram track teams qualified more athletes for the state tournament and finished fourth in the Wildcat Relays in Lovington Thursday.

Portales juniors Jacob Brady and Tyler Anderson joined senior Hunter Rackler (high jump) as state qualifiers. Brady qualified in the discus while Anderson qualified for state in the 300 meter hurdles.

“Three this early is good,” Ram track coach Glenn Johnson said. “They know that they’ve qualified and now they can go out and relax a little bit and really work to improve. They know they’ll be competing at the state level so it gives them that much more incentive to get the work done.”

Portales joined Artesia, Carlsbad, Hobbs and the host Lovington Wildcats at Thursday’s meet.

The Lady Rams finished fourth as well, qualifying junior Jordan Roehl for the state meet in the discus throw, after having already qualified for the shotput and javelin.

“She’s a real good thrower,” Lady Ram head coach Ruth Chavez said.

Portales freshman Jenna Wagner also made her mark, placing second in the triple jump with a mark of 31 feet 11 inches.

As a team, the Portales girls placed second in the team medley, and third in the 4 x 400 relay.

The Portales boys and girls travel to Eunice for a Tuesday meet, before running at Melrose Thursday. The Rams will then host their first meet in nearly 10 years on April 17.