By Eraina Hooyer
Staff Reporter
Ponoka youth had the ultimate track and field experience in Edmonton on June 21. The 2008 Hershey’s Track and Field Games had 600 youths competing in the event in ball throw, dashes, relays and more.
Among the competitors were several youth from Ponoka.
Shawna Pearman went along to the games with coaches Myron Pearman from Diamond Willow Middle School and Sandy Webber from Ponoka Elementary School. Pearman was pleased with the results of the competition and believed it was a positive event for everyone that came out.
“The kids did really well,” said Pearman. “It was a beautiful day and a wonderful track and field experience. It was an introductory to track and field and that is the whole focus. “There are many kids that don’t get a chance to participate in events like this. This event was free and allowed kids to have a great time.”
Ponoka placed second in the relay with team members Taylor Hoffman, Erin Stelner, Emma Neufeld and Victoria Verhoek.
From Ponoka, Emily Lehr placed 15th in girls nine to 10 50 metre dash and 26th in the nine to 10 girls 100m dash. Courtney Chesterman placed 23rd in the girls nine to 10 50m dash, 28th place in the 100m dash and 31st in the nine to 10 other ball throw.
Mallory Raush placed 19th in the girls nine to 10 100m dash, 13th in the 200m and 20th in long jump. Tess Pearman placed eighth in the nine to 10 200m and 400m dash and seventh in long jump. Mackenzie Henderson took 28th place in the nine to 10 ball throw.
Erin Stebner was seventh in the 100m dash in the 11 and 12 girls category and sixth in long jump.
Taylor Hoffman placed 19th in the 11 and 12 girls 100m dash and Emma Neufeld placed 22nd and third in long jump.
Maddison Pearman took 12th place in the girls 11 and 12 200m dash, fourth in the 400m and second place in long jump.
Victoria Verhoek was 36th in the girls 11 to 12 long jump and Hope Maryke was 27th in the 11 to 12 ball throw.
Josiah Pilon was 23rd in the boys 11 and 12 long jump and Colton Somerville was first in the 11 and 12 ball throw.