The local track squads took advantage of a beautiful spring day Saturday, posting good showings on the road. Helena High went up against Hellgate while Capital traveled to a quad meet in Belgrade.

The Capital boys won the boys meet with a 113 while the girls came in third, scoring 70. The Bengals swept the Knights in their second meet of the year.

Capital boys coach Lon Carter said he was pleased with his team's efforts.

"In a lot of these events, we placed two kids," he said. "I'm really happy with that."

Hunter Bosler won the 3200 and placed second in the 1600, while Beau Berg won the 110 hurdles and took fourth in the 300 hurdles. The Capital relays had a good day, too, winning the 400 and 1600.

The girls squad, while unable to win the meet, showed coach Shirley Chesterfield a lot of positives. "Our throwers are scoring points for us this year," she said, pointing out Jennalee Scheeler, Teri Jensen and Taylor Corne, who each placed high in the discus, shot put and javelin.

Tara Will also had a big day in the distance events, taking first in the 1600 and second in the 800. All-around athlete Sammi Bignell won the 100, as well as tying for second in the high jump. Three Capital jumpers went over five feet for the first time this year.

"The times were good," said Chesterfield. "Overall we were pleased with the outing."

Capital's next test comes against Bozeman, as the Hawks travel to Helena for a dual.

For Helena, things came easy in Missoula. The boys swept the running events, winning the 100 (Sean Bloomquist), 200 (Jared Grover), 400 (T.J. Lanier), 800 (Jacob Kearney), 1600 and 3200 (Dan Osborne). Koleman Gross also won both hurdles events.

"Our distance crew is doing a great job," said Helena coach Tony Arntson. "We're getting good times this early in the year."

For the girls, Monica Grimsrud swept the hurdles, while Kelsey Williams won both the discus and the javelin. Kyndal Williams took second in the high jump and freshman Allison Morrison placed second in both the 400 and the long jump.

"For a second meet, that was encouraging," said Bengals coach Sheila Williams. "We're having some young kids step up, and that's exciting."

The Bengals will be in action next on Thursday, for the second coaches meet, and again on Friday in the Mining City for a dual with Butte.

For results, see page 3B.