Twelve Alberton Panthers competed at divisional track over the past weekend, but only one ended up performing well enough in order to stamp a ticket to state. Jake Thompson will represent the Alberton Panthers at the state track meet this weekend in an event that Coach Rachel Clevenger said they weren't expecting. Thompson, who is a sophomore, took fifth in the triple jump with a distance of 39-7.

"We didn't expect him to make it in the triple jump," Clevenger said. "But he ended up jumping two and a half feet farther than he ever has."

Clevenger said that it was a surprise, but a nice one. She said that one of the things that contributed to Thompson's success was the fact that he was focused.

"Focusing again will be most important when he gets to state and it was the biggest thing he needed this last week," Clevenger said. "He's also started figuring things out. He's got two more years left and I think we'll see him going to state in a couple more events next year, but we didn't actually think he'd make it in the triple jump this year, but rather other events."

While Thompson may be the only individual from the entire team going to state, Clevenger said that others improved their times, but for a lot of them, they didn't and that's what pulled them out of the running.

"A lot of them didn't do as well as they had previously," Clevenger said. "I also think that there were a couple that were pretty nervous. It was a new deal for them and this was a competition for state. IF you don't bring everything, you're not going to make it."

Clevenger said that she feels that the divisionals tournament was a good way for it to end for some of the kids. Clevenger said that Thompson will again just need to stay focused as he competes and prepares for the state meet.

Thompson will compete this weekend at Great Falls.