Panthers Girls Earn 14th U.P. Track Championship
By David Latva

Elicia Derusha closed out her outstanding career at Engadine in the 800- and 1600-meter runs and two relay events at the finals.

Success on the track continues for the Pickford Panthers as the girls team won the school's 14th Upper Peninsula Finals girls team championship Saturday, June 2.

Since 1974, three coaches have led the Panthers to U.P. girls crowns. Sharon Beacom was the first to accomplish the feat in 1976. John Bennin guided the Panthers to consecutive crowns, from 1984 to 1988, 1990 and 1991, and 1999 to 2002. Sam Lightfoot has done so for the past two seasons.

The school boasts a combined 58 U.P. Finals crowns, with the boys team earning 34, and the girls, 24.

This senior class of girls has been instrumental in carrying out the tradition during the last four years, and their effort has paid off with consecutive championships to close out their high school careers.

The class of 2007 includes Jessie Ledy in the pole vault, long jump, and relays; Veronica Gough in the high and low hurdles and relays; Caitlin Mortinsen the relays, long jump, and sprints; Renae Reich in the high jump and relays; Kaylynn Portice in the shot put and discus throw; and Alicia Bjunes in the middle distance.

Jessie Ledy of Pickford competed in the long jump, pole vault, and two relays, taking first in the long jump at 15'11.75."

Drama played a role in Pickford's win as the Panthers trailed going into the final event, the 1600-meter relay, and needed to place to win the title. The foursome of Veronica Gough, Caitlin Mortinsen, Courtney Bruni, and Jessie Ledy finished third to clinch the championship.

Surprisingly, Pickford managed to take the title with only one firstplace finish in an event, Jessie Ledy's leap of 15'11.75" in the long jump.

Placing in each of the relay events was key to the Panthers' championship run.

Rapid River's Lauren Marshall cleared a height of 10'0" to set a new pole vault meet record.

Finishing fourth in the high jump for the Pickford seniors was Renae Reich. Veronica Gough finished fourth in the high hurdles, and Caitlin Mortinsen took fourth in the 400-meter dash.

Derrick Clark finished third in the high hurdles and sixth in the 200-meter dash. The Panthers 3200-meter relay team included (from left) Savannah Sterling, Callie Smith, Jenna Ledy, and Jasmine Ledy. Caitlin Mortinsen and Richard Gibson scored points for Pickford at the U.P. State Finals.