Kobie Beanland leads Dove Creek track teams in Aztec

Freshman impresses in hurdles, long jump

Less than a full season into her high school career, Dove Creek High freshman Kobie Beanland looks to be well on her way to becoming one of the finest track athletes in her school’s history.

Beanland’s latest impressive performance came at the Aztec B&B Invitational in Aztec, April 20-21, when she finished fourth in the 300-meter hurdles (50.42), fifth in the 100-meter hurdles (18.02), and sixth in the long jump (14 feet, 7½ inches), while competing against some of the area’s top athletes.

Joining Beanland as a top-15 finisher in both hurdling events was Madilyn Hankins, who placed 11th in the 100-meter hurdles (18.61) and 11th in the 300-meter hurdles (53.25.

Grace Hatfield soared to a 24th-place finish in the long jump (12 feet, 2¾ inches), while Mikayla Hankins and Cassie Gatlin performed well in the discus with a 17th- place finish (85 feet, 11 inches) and an 18th-place finish (83 feet, 9 inches), respectively.

On the boys’ side, Dove Creek was led by JD Dennison, who placed fifth in the discus (129 feet, 2 inches) and 15th in the shot put (37 feet, 11 ½ inches). Daniel Folkner crossed the line 14th in the 800-meter run (2:17.27), and Walker Cressler placed 16th in the triple jump (33 feet, 7½ inches).

Next up for both Dove Creek teams will be the Montrose Invitational on April 28.