Grizzlies jump into new track and field season at Burlington meet

The Rocky Mountain High School track and field squad has solid numbers as the 2026 season gets underway, but even more than that, the team has some versatility, head coach Tobee Christiansen said.

The Grizzlies open the season tomorrow (Friday) at the Burlington Invitational, though they may have limited athletes due to the junior prom scheduled for Friday evening.

There are 30 athletes out for track as the season begins, 20 boys and 10 girls. The boys team is relatively young featuring four freshmen, eight sophomores, four juniors and four seniors after graduating Hudson May, Cole Minchow and Hayden Wambeke.

Asked about the strengths of the boys squad, Christiansen noted a strong group of throwers – shot put and discus – featuring sophomores Evin Clendenen, John Mader, Alex Walker and Cooper Winland, along with juniors Paul Shetler and Kellan Jackson. The strong group is coached by Pat Winland.

He also noted senior sprinters Landon Pruett, William Fuller and Will Watts, junior Sam Loyning, sophomores Mason Moss, Cache Thompson and Cooper Ward, as well as freshman Jaxx May and sophomore Zach Unruh in the 800. The long-distance group may include Loyning, along with Unruh and junior Dalan Wambeke. Moss will run the hurdles, as well.

Horizontal jumpers are freshmen Cameron Minchow and Jaxson Sponsel, Thompson and Ward. Moss may try the high jump. Senior Jacoby Wachob and freshman Rowan Hanusa will pole vault, coached by Rowan’s father, Aric.

Christiansen said the boys have a great attitude for competition.

“This group of athletes, when I look at them, I see some grit here,” Coach C said. “They’re not afraid to do hard things.”

Girls

Though only 10 athletes strong, the Rocky Mountain girls squad has versatility,” Christiansen said.

The team lost Brittly Boettcher, Shelby Wambeke, Elliahna Scheeler and Tarynn Schoening to graduation.

“For having only a few in it, we have a pretty good mix in what they can do,” he noted.

Senior Keylee Christiansen plans to specialize in the pole vault this season, her father and coach said, though she has competed in the high jump in past seasons. She may also enter running events. She will be joined by senior Layla Gardner in the vault.

Senior twins Ellie and Evynn Alvarez will run the 1,600 and compete in long jump, and Evynn is a sprinter, as well, Christiansen said. 

Junior Avery Thomas will compete in the horizontal jumps and is also a sprinter, and the coach added, “She’s another kid we can shuffle around.”

Sophomore Leah Haslem showed promise in the middle to long distance races, Coach C noted, adding, “Leah was climbing in the distance events.”

Sophomore Bailey Gifford made strides in the 400 and 800, Christiansen said, and may run the 1,600, as well. She will also long jump.

Sophomore Kennedy Brimhall is a sprinter.

Freshman Rylee Morgan will throw the shot and discus, and fellow frosh Sawyer Bassett is a “good addition” in the long jump and triple jump, Coach C said.

In addition to head coaching duties, Christiansen will coach hurdles and sprints and help with triple and long jump, Winland will handle the throws, Colton Hodge jumpers, Aric Hanusa pole vault and Austin Haslem sprinters and distance runners.

Burlington

The Burlington Invitational will kick off the season Friday. Field events begin at 1:30 p.m. followed by the 3,200-meter relay at 2 p.m. and other running events at 2:30.

The Grizzlies will then be off for the Easter weekend and return to action April 11 at Powell.