By Dan Hardenbrook
Spring’s track and field season launched last week when the Newberry boys and girls varsity track teams competed in the Rathbun Invitational at Cadillac High School. The long trip led to a long day of competition amongst the 14 schools at the event. Many were from larger districts in the Northern Lower Peninsula and higher divisions, giving the Newberry teams a tough test to measure themselves up against early in a season where they look to defend the 2025 State Championships.
Beautiful weather and warm temperatures greeted the Indians. The Newberry girls finished in the middle of the pack overall, ranking 7th out of the 14 teams. They were once again led by the Taylor sisters, who piled up plenty of points in a strong season debut for the dynamic duo.
Sammy Taylor took home a pair of runner-up finishes in the 1600M and 3200M, while Abby finished top five in both the 400M (5th) and 800M (4th). Bobbirae Lustilla also picked up a point-scoring finish, taking 6th in the 400M.
The boys managed to pick up just one point; they were shorthanded and had several runners who could not compete due to other conflicts. That allowed younger runners to show what they can do, and they showed plenty of promise.
The teams get their first taste of U.P. action on Monday, when they travel to Manistique for the Kiwanis Invitational.
The buildup will be fast this season, as the MHSAA Regionals are May 15 in St. Ignace. That meet will qualify teams and athletes for the UP Finals, which are once again in Kingsford on May 30.
