The Miners track and field program continued their strong stride over the weekend, finishing third in the state meet held at BYU. The boys team surprisingly led the charge, finishing second amongst their field, with the girls third.
Park City also boasted six individual state championships, including the boys 400m, 4x200m relay and 4x4000m relay, and the girls 4x100m, 4x200m and 4x400m relays. The boys 400m and 4x200m times were new state records, ran and anchored, respectively, by star quarterback Bash Bodily.
Miners head coach Dave Yocum described the bunch as one of his best in his many years with the school. He’ll be sad to lose the graduating seniors but is excited for the future with those returning.
“We knew that it was going to be a battle,” said Yocum. “We were very fortunate.”
Park City also saw strong performances from runners like Eli Warner and Sierra Darling, who finished top 10 in all their races. The Miners needed every point, finishing just one above Orem in fourth. Pine View ran away with the title, 33 points ahead of second place Snow Canyon.
“It was a grind,” Yocum added. “It was a lot of fun at the same time.”
Park City improved from their 10th place showing last season. Yocum loved his team’s fight, with runners like Bodily overcoming obstacles like cramps with the action packed into back-to-back days this year.
Yocum tabbed Bodily’s 400m win and the relay successes as some of his favorite moments from the weekend. He felt inspired watching his runners capitalize on their hard work all season.
“He’s (Bodily) more of a V12 than a V8,” Yocum said. “He just goes.”
Yocum thought Bodily was the best boys runner in the 4A meet. He is certain big things lie ahead for the Air Force football commit in track, should he decide to continue running.
Yocum needs increased participation next season to offset some of the losses like Bodily. He thinks if they get that they could contend well at state again.
“We’re losing a lot of heavy hitters,” Yocum said. “You have to try and hope that the kids come out next year and try to be part of that energy that we had.”
Yocum will keep reminder football players and other Miners athletes of the reciprocal benefits of running track. There will be all sorts of speed and strength programs going on at the school over the summer.
“I’m hoping we can keep turning that corner,” Yocum added. “In track and field, you start off, turn left, and go to the finish line — you’re constantly trying to build.”
