PHS squads compete in Ross Black Relays

Staff report

LOVINGTON — The Portales boys track team finished fifth while the girls were sixth in Friday’s Ross Black Relays.

The Rams finished with 40 points, and the Lady Rams had 33. Clovis swept both teamt titles in the eight-school event, scoring 98 1/2 points to edge host Lovington by a point on the boys side while the Lady Wildcats ran away with the girls’ team title, scoring 119 points to 69 1/2 for Roswell High.

Competing against mainly Class 6A and 5A schools, PHS coach Glenn Johnson said his squads had a good day overall in the meet.

“It was a great meet for us,” he said. “The competition was great, and it forced us to compete that much harder.”

Johnson said the Rams and Lady Rams are looking to develop depth in their programs with a around 70 athletes out this season.

The Rams got a pair of wins in the meet, with sophomore Trenton Small taking first place in javelin at 146 feet, 4 inches and senior Paul Conrow going 6-2 to win in high jump.

The girls didn’t win any events, but freshman Trinity Staugaard had a big day, placing in both hurdles races and qualifying for Class 4A state competition by going 8 feet in pole vault.

Also earning state qualifying marks were Taryn Kizer in the girls 100 and Jesse LeMier in boys pole vault.

Portales squads are slated to compete in District 4-4A competition on Friday at the Wool Bowl in Roswell.