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Sports from the week of June 14, 2000 Headlight Herald - Serving Tracy, Minnesota, since 1880

 

Gifford is first to win two state events

The Panther's Julie Gifford became the first Panther in the school's history to win State track titles in two events when she captured the 1600 meter crown Saturday. She had won the 3200 meter title on Friday at the Blaine Track Complex.

Gifford has now won the 1600 meter championship in three straight years but this was the first time for her to win the 3200 meter title. Gifford became only the third girl in the state to win three straight mile championships. Carrie Tollefson of Dawson-Boyd, now at Villanova, and Nichole Kuznia, now running for Northwestern University are the other two.

Gifford's teammate Jenna Boerboom, placed tenth in the 3200 meter race on Friday with a time of 12:12.59

The Panthers 3200 meter relay team had a disappointing end to a stellar season. After winning the Section 3A race Boerboom, Melissa Sweetman, Kristin Sweetman and Laura Zwach failed to qualify for the finals.

The boys Chris Gervais did not place in the triple jump. The event was won by a leap of 45-4 and Chris' best jump of the year was 42-4.


New Panther cage mentor:

School comes first for athletes

The new head coach of the Panther boys' basketball team is Jonathan Ruoff.

Ruoff comes to Tracy from Garden City, Kansas where he was a mathematics teacher and the assistant varsity boys basketball Coach at the Class 6A Kansas school for the last three years. He had spent another two years as an assistant varsity boys' basketball coach and math teacher at Clinton-Graceville High School in Graceville, before going to Kansas.

"I come from Milbank, South Dakota and my wife, our year old daughter and I are excited about being back in this area," said Ruoff. "I am looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity this position affords me."

Ruoff observes that a basketball team needs to be well disciplined and fundamentally sound to be successful.


Girls softball team wins game after winless 1999

The Tracy Summer Rec Girls' softball teams opened with action at Lincoln High of Ivanhoe last Thursday. The girls are coached by Sandy Carpenter who is assisted by Kristen Rokke.

The Peanuts lost 15-10. The Peewees won, 18-11. The Midgets won, 16-10. Because of a shortage of numbers at this level, many Peewees played.

Coaches reported that the girls played with a high level of enthusiasm and a great attitude. More girls are expected to show up for this week's action. With softball being added as a sport at Tracy Area High School this upcoming school year, it is vital that the program experiences great support at the younger age levels.