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PHOTOS: Athletes battle cold, snow at Rifle track and field invite

Sports |

A pole vaulter practices his jump in his heavy winter coat on Friday at Rifle High School.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent

Spring sports on the Western Slope always bring an extra challenge. High school programs regularly contend with unpredictable March and April weather, and Friday was no exception at the 2025 Rifle Track and Field Invitational.

Twenty-four schools made the trip to Rifle High School on March 14, facing cold temperatures and snow in the early morning. The all-day event eventually saw the sun break through, but not before many athletes pushed through the sting of winter winds.

Coal Ridge’s girls team dominated with 105 points to take first place, while the boys finished second with 100. Rifle’s girls placed second with 61 points, while the boys finished ninth. Glenwood’s boys placed third with 83 points, and the girls took ninth. Roaring Fork had a tough showing, with the boys finishing 17th and the girls 15th.

Two Coal Ridge runners (left and right) use their “home-field” advantage and keep their warm clothes on until the last second before Friday monring’s 100 meter dash.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent
A volunteer helps clear the shot put throwing circle on Friday morning.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent
Glenwood’s Ryan Grosscup and more of the Demons track team stayed warm on Friday morning thanks to the Glenwood branded track suits.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent
A Basalt Longhorns triple jumper sprints down the short track on Friday morning in his warm up gear.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent
Spectators huddle together in the bleachers trying to stay warm on Friday morning.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent
When life gives you snow, make a snowman. That’s what they did at Rifle High School with the extra snow moved off the track in preparation for Friday’s meet.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent
Glenwood Springs 4×800 runners try to tune out the sting of the wind before Friday’s race.
Jaymin Kanzer/Post Independent

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