By Robert Whitmire

The SPASH and Pacelli boys track teams competed at the 2016 Point Invitational Saturday, March 19 at the UW-Stevens Point Multi-Activity Center.

“The Oshkosh meet was a great start to the season earlier this week,” said Panther coach Kevin Streveler. “It is a good early season test to give us a base for the rest of the season. [The] Point invite is always a high-quality meet; it always happens to be on spring break so it gives our younger guys a chance to get some varsity experience.” 

Top finishers for the Panthers included the 4 x 200 meter relay team — Colton Kizewski, Trent Hamerski, Chase Franz and Tyler Patoka — crossing the finish line with a winning time of 1:35.4.

Alex Scott finished fourth in the shot put with a toss of 52-11.50, and Connor Pliska took fourth in the pole vault at 12-06.00.

“I think our 4 x 200 went well today,” said Hamerski. “We came back from a close loss at Oshkosh by .01 seconds to win the event today —  I’m looking forward to seeing how fast we’ll get as the season moves along.”

Junior Eli Wachowiak took sixth in the high jump clearing the bar at 5’10”.  

“I did well today compared to where I was last year,” said Wachowiak.  “I didn’t reach my goal yet and I am hoping to get to 6’4” by the end of the year.”

The Panthers return to action at the Madison West Relays on April 2 at the UW-Madison Track Shell. Start time is scheduled for 4:15 PM.

Freshman Thomas Basala was a top finisher for the Pacelli Cardinals with a fifth place time of 10:02 in the 3200-meter run.

“I felt relaxed and focused on running even at an even pace,” said Basala.  “I have great support from family, friends and coaches.”

“Thomas ran well today with a good, even pace”, said Cardinal Coach Eugene Trzebiatowski. “This was his first two-mile in track. He’s a smart kid with a good head on his shoulders and he know what he’s doing.”

Fond du Lac won the meet with 72.5 points. D.C. Everest finished second with 64 points, and SPASH placed third for the day with 61 points. The Pacelli Cardinals finished the meet in 20th place with four points.