Last chance meet lifts Montezuma, Dolores County track athletes to big performances

Dove Creek's Cody Alexander and Montezuma-Cortez’s Levi Bramwell focus on the next hurdle in their 300-meter race in the Bob Archibeque Invitational in Cortez. Both athletes look to continue their strong hurdling seasons at the state championships. (Ben Bradley/Special to The Journal)

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Dove Creek's Cody Alexander and Montezuma-Cortez’s Levi Bramwell focus on the next hurdle in their 300-meter race in the Bob Archibeque Invitational in Cortez. Both athletes look to continue their strong hurdling seasons at the state championships. (Ben Bradley/Special to The Journal)

GRAND JUNCTION – The Tiger Invitational in Grand Junction lived up to its reputation as a big-time track and field meet, whether it’s about finishing the season strong or qualifying for state in a certain event. And all four area schools had a final chance over the weekend to make a mark before the state championships.

Montezuma-Cortez senior Levi Bramwell recorded a personal best of 16.06 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles. Meanwhile, the 1,600 girls relay team dropped another big time, racing to a 4:18.78 finish and a date in Jefferson County Stadium.

State finalists will compete in the three-day state championships at JeffCo Stadium in Lakewood, starting on Thursday.

Multiple Dolores relay teams had to drop time in order to climb into the top 18 in the 2A championships, and both answered the bell. The Bears’ boys 1,600 relay team posted a time of 3:38.78, and the Bears’ girls 3,200 relay team smashed its best mark with a time of 10:48.42.

Mancos boys sophomore Jonah Ritter secured strong results in the 100 and 200 dashes, including a personal best 11.24 seconds in the finals of the 100, assuring him a spot at state for both events.

Mancos girls sophomore Aysia Mathews had another strong outing in the triple jump, sitting in a strong position in the triple, long and high jump events to qualify for state.

Dove Creek girls junior Ralynn Hickman saved her best for last in the long jump, topping 15 feet with a leap of 15 feet, 4 ¾ inches. She also ensured herself another appearance in the 1A state field.

Bulldog senior Cody Alexander improved his state standing in both the boys 110 and 300 hurdles with times of 16.80 and 43.37 seconds, respectively. He will enter the state meet as a top-five competitor in both events.

The Dove Creek boys 1,600 relay team dropped its time down to 3:45.

The state qualifying marks joined countless personal best efforts for local athletes.

Montezuma-Cortez will compete in the 3A championships, Mancos and Dolores will compete in the 2A championships, and Dove Creek will compete in the 1A championships.