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Steamboat Springs — Spring break comes at an awkward time for the Steamboat Springs track team.

As the runners and throwers separate for their various spring break plans, most will miss the huge regional Clint Wells Invitational on Friday afternoon at Moffat County and must regroup at one final meet before regionals May 11 to 12 in Grand Junction.

"It's like a chess game," Steamboat track coach Andy Reust said. "You have to see what shape they're in and see what events they'll be able to do."

Before the team's full disjointing, Reust had an opportunity to take a 15-member contingent down to the Rifle Invitational on Friday.

Among the massive field of 15 teams, the Sailors found some success.

Tyler Hutson ran a good 200-meter sprint and had a season "breakthrough run" in the 400, Reust said. Hutson finished fifth overall in the 400, breaking the 53-second barrier with a time of 52.91 seconds. He will need to break the barrier again at regionals, Reust said.

Lizzie Stoll's throwing performances led the way for the Steamboat girls. Stoll finished in third place in the discus, took sixth in the triple jump and made it to the shot put finals as well.

Reust said the wind was a factor for the jumpers, in the faces of the triple jumpers and at the backs of the long jumpers. Steamboat's Colby Kostur took advantage of the tailwind and jumped to fifth place in the long jump.

The meet did provide Reust with an opportunity to give his athletes much-needed competition, especially for runners such as sprint relay specialist Garrett Brew who are bouncing back from recent injuries.

The Mullen Runners Roost Meet scheduled for Saturday was an invitation-only event open to all school classifications. Matt Hill and Westin Cofer both were invited from Steamboat but were unable to attend due to prior travel plans.

The Steamboat boys tied at Rifle Invitational for 13th overall and the girls tied for 12th.

- To reach Dave Shively, call 871-4253

or e-mail dshively@steamboatpilot.com