SPEARFISH, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans kicked off the 2026 track and field season in impressive fashion, turning in a strong all-around performance at the West River AA Invite with multiple event wins and a deep list of top-eight finishes.
For a first meet of the season, the Spartans showed both high-end talent and depth across nearly every event group.
Leading the way was Thomas Hughes, who wasted no time making a statement in the opening meet. Hughes won the 100 meters in 11.15 seconds and added another victory in the long jump with a leap of 21-11.00. Teammate Liam Goetz also reached the podium in the event, finishing seventh at 20-01.00.
On the girls side, Daniela Rodriguez opened her season in dominant form, winning the 200 meters (26.44) while also placing second in the 400 meters (1:00.00) and fourth in the long jump at 17-04.00. The Spartans showed impressive depth in the 400, led by Peyton VanDeest, who claimed first place in 59.33. She was joined by teammates Sierra Sandford (4th, 1:02.80), Auna Taglioli (6th, 1:03.32), and Marley Mosset (7th, 1:03.48).
VanDeest also picked up a win in the 1600 meters (4:59.35), while Kori Keil added another first-place finish for Spearfish in the 800 meters (2:24.49). Lauryn Donovan contributed to the Spartans’ strong distance showing with a seventh-place finish in the 800 at 2:37.73.
On the boys distance side, Mason Gill opened his season with a victory in the 3200 meters (10:40.78), while Rylan VanDeest placed fifth in the 1600 meters (4:47.79).
The Spartans also picked up key points in the hurdles, with Jace Hamilton finishing sixth in the 300-meter hurdles (44.94). Cameron Carlson added two top-eight finishes, placing seventh in the 110-meter hurdles (19.15) and eighth in the 300 hurdles (45.69).
In the field events, Sam Marcus delivered one of the most well-rounded performances of the day, placing fourth in the shot put (44-00.00), third in the discus (141-01), and second in the javelin (170-07). On the girls side, Taylor Vitto placed third in the shot put (32-02.00) and second in the javelin (108-10), while Hannah Sandgren finished second in the discus (100-10).
Additional top-eight finishes came from Mia Durdall (5th, shot put, 29-10.00) and Connor Aalbu (7th, shot put, 38-10.00), while Hattie Ewert showed versatility with a third-place finish in the high jump (4-10.00) and sixth in the triple jump (32-02.50).
The Spartans also dominated the girls pole vault, with Laila Ratzsch winning at 11-09.00 and Reese Nida finishing second at 11-03.00. On the boys side, Evan Duncan added a fourth-place finish at 11-03.00.