ROSEMOUNT – With the likes of Woodbury, Coon Rapids, Moorhead and Edina, one might wonder why the Albert Lea High School boys’ track and field team enters the Rosemount Invitational.

Monday, April 23, 2001

ROSEMOUNT – With the likes of Woodbury, Coon Rapids, Moorhead and Edina, one might wonder why the Albert Lea High School boys’ track and field team enters the Rosemount Invitational. According to coach Howie Melom, that’s exactly why.

&uot;It’s a high-powered meet, we know that,&uot; said Melom. &uot;But that’s why we like to go up there, to let people know, ‘I’m doing pretty good,’ or, ‘I’ve got a long ways to go.’ If you’re thinking of doing something at the end of the year, it gives you a good reality check.&uot;

So what did the Tigers realize? What they’ve known all along. They’re strong in the high jump with veterans Matt Ladwig and Nick Cunningham but untested in most every other area.

The Tigers finished 10th out of 11 teams.

Woodbury was first with 128 points, followed by Coon Rapids at 117.5, Rosemount 100, Moorhead 82.5, Edina 65, Hastings 52.5, Richfield 50, Simley 46, Farmington 29, Albert Lea 22 and Tartan 11.5.

The Tigers finished 1-2 in the high jump with seniors Ladwig and Cunningham, who cleared 6-4 and 6-2, respectively. It was the second time this season Ladwig has made 6-4, following his first-place performance in the opener at Owatonna.

Tyler Young picked up the Tigers’ only other individual points, taking eighth in the discus with a toss of 130 feet.

Jake Abrego, Josh Moore, Andy Davis and Young were eighth in the 4×100-meter relay. Matt Olsen, Sean Harms, Justin Kuipers and Noah Langseth took eighth in the 4×800.

Melom said Tom Munden, Jordan Neve and Mike Veldman had career-best showings in the shot put but did not place while Young had a personal-best throw in the discus.

&uot;Again, our lack of experience really showed,&uot; said Melom. &uot;I think our experienced people did a pretty decent job.&uot;

The Tigers are home Tuesday to face Austin, Owatonna and Rochester Century at 4:30 at Hammer Field.