100 and 200-meter dash winner
Converted thrower Troy Hoffman showed his running prowess Thursday afternoon, winning the 100 and 200-meter dashes to help the Tigers to a second place finish at a triangular meet in New Prague.
Shakopee won the closely contested meet with 72.5 points. Farmington edged host New Prague 57-56.5 for the runner-up spot.
"We won seven events, but more importantly we competed in all the events," coach Brian Helmstetter said. "We are still trying to figure out what we have and where we can go this year but I think we will be able to get some points in our big meets."
Hoffman's sweep of the open sprints came as somewhat of a surprise as most of his previous experience had come in the weight events. He clocked 11.99 in the 100 and 24.05 in the 200.
"Troy looked great in practice this last week and has gained some confidence," Helmstetter said. "He was a nice find for us tonight."
The Tigers started the meet in fine fashion with Jared Wolt, Trevor Breezely, Eric Stoeckman and Tyler Lerbakken combining forces to claim the 4x800 relay in 8:52.42.
Freshman distance runner Justin Hyytinen shaved a second off his own ninth grade school record to win the 1600-meter run in 4:41. 89.
The other three Tiger firsts came in field events: Reid Taubenheim in the pole vault (11-6); CJ Wynnings in the discus (122-1) and Joe Ouyang in the shot put (42-7.5).
"Now we need to start getting our runners placing in the second through fifth spots," Helmstetter said.
Farmington did score second place points in three events. Jake Rudeen ranked second in the 3200-meter run and Mason Gaylord placed second in the triple jump. The 4x400 relay foursome of Stoeckman, Clayton Webb, Tommy Weigel and Lerbakken also finished in the runner-up slot.
Third place Farmington finishers included Daniel Berg, 110-meter hurdles; Weigel, 400-meter dash; Chad Retterath, 3200-meter run; Justin Hett, long jump and Sam Wyatt, triple jump.
Berg took fourth in the high jump to round out the list of Tiger point-scorers.
"We took three full busloads (boys and girls) and established 97 personal-bests," Helmstetter said. "I don't think I've ever seen a number like that."
The Tigers will be looking for more high finishes and more personal bests next Tuesday when they host their annual invitational at Tiger Stadium.
