On the starting blocks By Ashley Schwarzer The Helias Track and Field team opened up the season with a duel against cross-town rival Jefferson City. The team has had less than a month of official track practices but still competed well in the events. The boys had several highlights, many coming in the field events. Senior Daniel Young placed third in two events, the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles. In the 1600-meter run, Cody Lute, a freshman, took third. Ethan Kuster placed third in the triple jump. Seth Caywood received third in the high jump at a height of five feet and eight inches. In the discus competition Darius Schneiders took second while Stephen Backes followed with third. Backes was also second in the shot put. Junior Jordan Wisch finished second in the pole vault, reaching a height of eleven feet. The s competed against a strong Lady Jays team—they have won Class 4 State four consecutive years. Freshman Danica Shimkus placed third in the pole vault. Elizabeth Grothoff received third in the triple jump, while Emma Booth jumped thirty-two feet and ten inches to reach second. Booth also finished second in the long jump. In the 300-meter hurdles junior Abigayle Knaebel took third. Jill Rackers sprinted to second in the 100-meter race. “We were happy with the young ones,” Coach Margaret Shimkus commented. And there was reason to be: there were several underclassmen who placed and several others who had admirable results. The entire team did well but still expects to improve through more practice and competition experience. Coach Shimkus said, “We just need the [the underclassmen] to grow up by May (the District meet).” And I’m sure that is exactly what they will do.