The Cochrane High School Cobras track and field team three-peated at Provincials in Edmonton over the weekend, finishing first in the 3A school category and fourth overall.
The Cobras took 35 athletes to the provincial meet, and came back with nine medals, compiling 353.75 points overall, a huge number compared to second-place St. Paul’s Regional High School’s 276.
All three of the teams that finished above the Cobras in the all-combined divisional standing were 2A schools with larger student populations (Strathcona High School, Medicine Hat High School, and William Aberhart High School).
“We have a very talented group of kids at this school who are gifted athletically, and the same coaches for the last 10 years,” said Cobras head coach Esther Sieben. “That presence combined with stability, knowledge and technical skill have been key to our success.”
Skylar Sieben was again a standout much as she was in May at South Central Zones. She picked up two gold medals in junior girls high jump and shot put (where she broke a provincial record with a 12.19 metre throw). In the junior boys division, the only athlete to medal was Nicholas Petron, who won gold in the triple jump.
In the intermediate division, Matthew Clooten picked up a gold medal in boys shot put, while Tae Gordon (javelin) and Justin Sambu (shot put) nabbed silver medals.
In diversity results, Raymond Brown won gold in the shot put contest, and picked up bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m events. Brown also picked up a silver medal along with teammate Nathan Pilling in the 4x50m relay.
“We have kids winning the most technical events such as shot put, javelin, and high jump,” Sieben beamed. “Those are very difficult to pick up. A part of this success has to do with the fact the coaching staff has improved immensely over the last 10 years. Athletic talent will always be there, but it’s our job to dig it out.
“Right from the start of base training in March, all of the kids have been committed, and commitment wins you championships.”
