The Powell High School student-athletes competing with the Lovell indoor track and field team recently completed their seasons at separate state meets.

Both competitions were held in Gillette, with the boys’ meet on Feb. 27 and the girls’ meet on March 6. The Panthers had two boys and two girls compete at this year’s state events. 

PHS junior Eli Weimer had the best finish of any Panther, placing fourth in the high jump with a score of 5 feet, 10 inches. Also competing for the boys, senior Kadden Abraham finished fifth in the 55 hurdles, posting a time of 8.34 with the Lovell squad.

At the girls’ meet, junior Jenna Hillman placed fifth in the 400, finishing in 1:02.36 and breaking the Powell High School record. PHS senior Cassidy Miner earned eighth in the shot put, scoring 34 feet, 5.5 inches.

To qualify for state, athletes had to finish in the top eight for track events and top nine for field events this season, making it particularly tough. Additionally, there were no prelims at state, adding pressure to the athletes.

Competing against athletes of every class in the state, the Panthers performed exceptionally in Gillette, and coach Jason Hillman was pleased overall with the group’s effort at state and throughout the season.

“These four Panthers truly are some of the best track athletes in the entire state,” Hillman said. “Each of them competed very hard in their event. We are so thankful Lovell indoor track allowed our athletes to compete on their team. It was a wonderful experience.”

As a team, the Powell athletes helped the Lovell High School squad finish in a tie for 10th on the boys’ side — taking first among traditional Class 3A schools — and took 22nd on the girls’ side.

Team Rankings — Boys

1. Sheridan 142, 2. Cheyenne Central 67, 3. Natrona County High School  58, 4. Kelly Walsh 55, 5t. Laramie 43, 5t. Thunder Basin 43, 7. Campbell County 41, 8. Cheyenne East 38.5, 9. Star Valley 28.5, 10t. Lovell 17, 10t. Evanston 17, 12. Mountain View 12, 13. Torrington 10, 14t. Pinedale 9, 14t. Rock Springs 9, 16. Worland High School 8, 17. Big Horn 6, 18t. Rawlins 4, 18t. Riverton 4, 18t. Burns/PineBluffs 4, 21. Cheyenne South 3, 22. Douglas 2.

Boys’ high jump:  4. Eli Weimer 5’, 10”

Boys’ 55 hurdles: 5. Kadden Abraham 8.34

Team rankings — Girls

1. Campbell County 95, 2. Cheyenne Central 84.5, 3. Sheridan 56, 4. Natrona County 44.5, 5. Laramie 44, 6t. Cheyenne East 31, 6t. Cheyenne South 31, 6t. Cody 31, 9. Thunder Basin 26, 10. Torrington 25, 11. Pinedale 18, 12. Evanston 17, 13t. Green River 16, 13t. Star Valley 16, 13t. Mountain View 16, 16. Kelly Walsh 15, 17. Burns/PineBluffs 12, 18t. Rawlins 10, 18t. Buffalo High School 10, 20. Douglas 8, 21. Worland 7, 22. Lovell 5, 23. Riverton 3

Girls’ 400: 5. Jenna Hillman 1:02.36

Girls’ shot put: 8. Cassidy Miner 34’, 5.5”