2022 Novas State and Regional Recap
USATF Montana Championships
As host of the 2022 USATF Montana Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships, the Helena Novas performed at a high level and had plenty of fun along the way at Vigilante Stadium on June 24-25 in Helena.
And nearly 30 local track and field rising stars took the next step by competing at the Region 11 championships July 7-9 in Orem, Utah.
By the numbers, the Novas collected 61 goal medals at the state meet, nearly split evenly among the boys and girls. Helena’s boys won 31 events and collected a total of 122 all-state finishes (top five), while the girls won 30 events and collected 91 all-state medals.
For anyone in attendance at state, it was a sea of light blue in nearly every event.
The meet functioned smoothly, as well, thanks in large part to the extraordinary quality and number of those from throughout the Helena community who assisted Novas staff to ensure every event had ample volunteers. The support ensured all in attendance – Novas and competitors from Bozeman Track Club, Speed Goat, Mountain West Track, and elsewhere – were part of an enjoyable experience.
And thank you once again to sole sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, which provided financial assistance through the Helena Vigilante Runners, the parent club of the Novas.
USATF Region 11 Championships
After a couple more weeks of practice, 28 Novas signed up to compete at the Region 11 championships, where they represented the Helena community with great character and outstanding performances. Many were there to compete for a top 8 position to advance to the national championships, while others simply saw the meet as another opportunity to learn and grow.
Facing competition from Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming, the Novas continued to impress with 20 total victories, 15 on the boys side and five for the girls. The boys also advanced to the podium 33 times with top-five finishes, while the girls earned 15 top-five medals.
Several Novas earned victories in multiple events with Tyse Todorovich claiming gold in the 11-12 boys 100, shot put and javelin; Lane Eckerson winning the 11-12 boys 200 and 400; Kruze Todorovich posting gold-medal performances in the 7-8 boys 1500, shot put and javelin; Connor Haines stretching up and out for the 13-14 boys high jump and long jump titles; and Quinlyn Simmons bringing home the girls 100 and 200 titles in the 13-14 division.
In the boys 13-14 pentathlon, Milo Kauffman established a regional record with a time 4:46.55, which was also a short-lived PR in the event, as he placed second in the open 1500 in 4:42.70, as well. Tyse Todorovich also chalked up a regional record with his shot put of 11.62 to win the 11-12 division.
In the girls 15-16 heptathlon, Madilyn Todorovich topped the regional records with a time of 26.38 in the 200, a time of 15.95 in the 100 hurdles – bettering her sister’s mark of 16.09 from 2021, a toss of 25.69 in the javelin, and a long jump of 5.19.
Logan Todorovich, competing in the girls 17-18 heptathlon, set regional records of 26.12 in the 200, 1.60 meters in the high jump, and 5.15 meters in the long jump.
State Games and USATF National Junior Olympics
The Novas wrap up the 2022 season with 15 athletes at the Big Sky State Games in Billings on July 15-16 in Billings, followed by nine athletes at the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships in Sacramento on July 25-31. Check back in a couple weeks for a full recap.
At the state games, athletes ages 8-11 compete on Friday at Lockwood High School and athletes ages 12-18 compete at Lockwood High School. Odessa Zentz will run in the Montana Mile on Friday evening at Daylis Stadium.
Our national championship roster includes:
BOYS
- Kruze Todorovich (7-8) – Shot put, javelin
- Connor Haines (13-14) – High jump
- Tate Harringon (11-12) – 100, long jump
- Lane Eckerson (11-12) – 200, 400, long jump
- Tyse Todorovich (11-12) – Shot put, javelin
GIRLS
- Quinlyn Simmons (13-14) – 100, 200
- Alyssa Shaferly (13-14) – 200, long jump
- Logan Todorovich (17-18) – Heptathlon
- Madilyn Todorovich (15-16) – Heptathlon