Injuries and harsh weather conditions cost Clarkston at the boys track regional at Holly on May 19.
The Wolves hoped to qualify for the state finals in a few events, but only the mile relay was able to reach the goal.
The 1600 relay team of Nick LaMora, Brad Kolano, Matt Alexander and Jesse Kessler took second place with a time of 3:29.5.
‘Every event we knew we had some potential, but it wasn’t an ideal situation,? Clarkston Coach Walt Wyniemko said. ‘For them to qualify, they had to come in second place and they did a good job. We were happy and proud of them.?
Wyniemko said he would like to have more kids qualify, but he is excited for the mile relay team.
‘We feel that we have a mile relay team that has a chance to compete at the state finals,? Wyniemko said. ‘We are going to give it our best shot. We are excited to have a chance to be there and compete the best we can. It’s a great opportunity for us to finish out the season well.?
The biggest dissappointment at regionals for Clarkston came in the 110-meter hurdles. Senior Brad Gale, who dominated the OAA in the event and was one of the favorites at the regional, was injured during the finals.
Gale was also a favorite to make the state finals in the 300-meter hurdles. Wyniemko said it was an unfortunate injury for a hard working kid.
‘I told him sometimes life stinks and it’s not easy,? Wyniemko said. ‘I wish I had the answers for him. I feel sorry. It’s like a brother who worked hard and had something bad happen. Last year, he was a tenth of a second away. Sometimes things like this happen to really good kids.?
Wyniemko is unsure if the injury will prevent Gale from competing in the Oakland County meet on May 26.
Wyniemko said there were some other positives he took from the regional meet. He was impressed with sophomore Erik Thompson, who finished in sixth place in the 100-meter dash. He also was pleased with LaMora and Alexander, who took fifth and sixth place in the 800-meters.
He is hopeful the team can improve some of their times and distances and have a quality day at the Oakland County meet.
‘We got two more weeks of track.? Wyniemko said. ‘We are happy to have the opportunity to try and get our times and distances better. We want to have some fun and show what we can do.?
The results from the OAA meet on May 23 were not available at press time for this addition of The Clarkston News.