Hershey's North American Championships/Minnesota Results

Chris Dallager reports: The Hershey Track and Field Program, sponsored by the Hershey Corporation, provides age group track and field at the grass roots level throughout the United States and Canada. Many of the competitions are hosted by Parks and Recreation programs. Athletes advance to a state meet and champions are eligible to be selected to represent their states or provinces at the North American Championships held in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The event began on Thursday with the opening ceremonies, followed on Friday by workouts, and tours of the various Hershey facilities, including the Hershey's Chocolate Factory(side note: 1972 Olympic 800 meter champion Dave Wottle had a superstition that started in high school of eating a Hershey's bar shortly before the race. He won the first race he did following this ritual and continued it all the way through high school where he won the mile at the Ohio state championship track meet--Ed.)

The Minnesota contingent is listed below with results from the August 7 meet: Shane Streich(Janesville) came in 4th place in the Boys ages 13-14 1600 meter run in 4:43.12. He was honored to be selected to present the Minnesota flag in the parade of athletes from throughout North America attending the Hershey meet.

Michael Suda (Pipestone)finished 3rd in the Boys ages 9-10 Softball Throw with a best throw of 146' 4".
Kayla Huhnerkoch(Redwood Falls) finished 3rd in the Girls ages 13-14 800 meter run in a time of 2:25.82.
Alyssa Griepentrog(Pipestone) finished 7th in the Girls ages 11-12 Softball Throw with a best throw of 131' 9.25".
Ben Gault(Sartell) finished 8th in the Boys ages 11-12 Softball Throw with a best throw of 159' 8.5".