HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Saints track teams off to fast start

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By Connor Collins, Xavier junior

CEDAR RAPIDS - It is early in the month of April, but the Xavier boys' and girls' track teams have been busy.

The girls' team competed in the River Queen Invitational in Clinton on April 10. Senior Alex Bartz cleared 5-foot-1 to win the high jump, which was the Saints only first at the meet.  Senior Hannah Rochford placed third in the 100-meter dash and the 400 team featuring Rochford, junior Audrey Richards and sophomores Allison Schwach and Molly Breitbach also placed high.

Xavier finished seventh out of 11 teams with a total score of 48.

The girls' team also ran last weekend at Kingston Stadium in the Wilkinson Invitational,  placing fifth with a total of 68 points. Breitbach won 100-meter dash and Rochford finished right behind her in second. Bartz continued her success this season by finishing second in the high jump.

The Saints 3,200 relay finished second. Junior Shelby Christensen, senior Rachel Sigmon, sophomore Rachel Brady and freshman Kayla Torson make up the team. The Saints placed in the top three in other events, including 1,600 relay and the sprint medley relay.

The Xavier boys' also ran at Kingston Stadium last Saturday, getting a win in the 1,600 medley relay. The foursome consists of seniors Nick Ball, Jordan Weber and Zach Stovie and junior Brandon Gradoville. Junior Craig Murtha won the discus and senior Alec Clasen cleared 6-foot-2 to win the high jump.

Xavier placed fourth with a 86 point total.