Submitted photo – Derek Ray

Three former H-DNL athletes enjoyed successful debuts for a new Cal Poly Humboldt team over the weekend, as the Jacks competed in indoor track and field for the first time ever.

Head coach Sarah Ingram and her athletes traveled to Spokane, Wash., for their inaugural meet, which featured 25 teams, including many top West Coast Division-I teams.

And, according to Ingram, the Jacks enjoyed a very successful debut in the sport.

“I am so proud of this team, and we are all so grateful for this incredible opportunity,” Ingram said. “Our athletes were primed and ready, and showed up to make an immediate impact in our program’s debut in indoor track and field. 

“This was the first time ever being in an indoor facility for 95 percent of our team, but they didn’t show any hesitation to compete as veterans. 

“We all learned so much, and enjoyed every minute of being in this incredible facility and with such great competition.”

Former Fortuna Husky Connor Pratt, former McKinleyville Panther Derek Ray and former Eureka Logger Ginny Brooks each made the trip.

Pratt won his heat in the 200 meters and placed 17th overall in the event, while also competing in the 60m, where he placed 24th in the qualifying round in a time of 7.17 seconds.

The standout sprinter, who also played football at Fortuna, was the 2021 H-DNL 100m champion as a high school senior.

Ray, who graduated from McKinleyville earlier this year, competed in the shot put and quickly adapted to the heavier weight of college competition.

The former Panther placed fifth in his event with a throw of 14.16 meters.

Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics – Connor Pratt

As a high school senior, Ray placed first in the event at the North Coast Section Meet of Champions and followed that with an eighth-place finish at this year’s state championships.

Brooks, meanwhile, competed in a pair of events.

The 2023 Eureka High graduate placed 18th in the 60m hurdles qualifying in a time of 9.53 seconds.

The versatile freshman also competed in the women’s long jump and placed 39th with a jump of 4.84 meters.

Cal Poly Humboldt Athletics – Ginny Brooks

Their coach believes the indoor competition will help prepare the Jacks for the spring outdoor season.

“The level of motivation this indoor competition has brought our team all fall throughout training is something that has and will continue to push us to better performances earlier in the training year and into outdoor season,” Ingram said. “As a team, we are so far ahead of where we’ve ever been at this point in the year, and it’s a really positive and contagious excitement that is so fun to be around.”

The Jacks will continue their indoor season after winter break, when they travel to Spokane on Jan. 27.