Sunny and Sultry at U.P. Track Finals
KINGSFORD (6/3/06) - Shannon Helminen of Calumet received a special mention in the Detroit Free Press Scholar Athletes 2006 special section during the week leading up to the MHSAA Upper Peninsula Track & Field Finals. She showed why that recognition was deserved with a great last day of her prep sports career, leading her team to the Division 1 championship, its first U.P. track team title since a 1988 Class C crown.

The Copper Kings defeated Marquette by a score of 117 -114, extended the Redettes' title drought to six years after winning championships from 1993 to 2000. Three-time defending champ Escanaba took third with 98 points on an uncharacteristic hot and sunny day in the great white north.

Helminen won the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles with times of 16.05 and 46.50 respectively. She also anchored the second-place 800 relay and 1600 relay teams, sealing the win for Calumet.

Helminen's teammates also came through, with Becky Kangas breaking her own 2004 division long-jump record with a leap of 17'1/2".

Marquette took seven firsts to Calumet's four - Copper King Kara Rastello won the high jump at 5'0" - but depth took the day.

In Division 2 the Ishpeming Westwood girls beat Norway by an 82-79 score, earning the Patriots their third title since 2002. The D-3 girls title was reclaimed by Pickford, the last team to win before three-time defending queen Rapid River launched its roll in 2003.

On the boys side, Gladstone three-peated as Division 1 champ although Marquette gave it help.The final margin of 18 points was given up by the Redmen through a rare double-disqualification in the 3200- meter run.

Two Marquette runners who should have easily finished 1-2 received DQs from officials for interference with competitors. Additional woes in the 800 ruined Marquette's hopes.

The highlight of the meet was senior Justin Wiles of Escanaba, who won the 100 (11.27), 200 (22.72), 400 (49.79) and long jump (21'6-1/2", a new U.P. Division 1 record). Wiles, who ran 48.91 in the 400 as a junior, will continue his career at Grand Valley State University.

"I wanted to break 50 (in the 400) today," said Wiles. "That was pretty much my main goal. Last year my 400 time here was flying, I don't know how I did it. It would have been a tough (time) to beat this year."

In Division 2, Newberry repeated as boys team champions with 96 points to St. Ignace's 90. D-3 saw Rock Mid-Peninsula pick up its first team championship since claiming the 1940 Class D-E title. Mid-Pen outdistanced Rapid River 68-55. MR