Taking the just-completed track and field state meet out of the equation, the question can be asked: Who had the better season, Armstrong's Evan McClellon or Chanhassen's Jedah Caldwell?

McClellon, a senior, twice broke the boys' state record in the 100 meters, most recently with a time of 10.36 at the Class 2A, Section 6 meet. He had set the new record barely a week earlier with 10.37 in the Northwest Suburban Conference meet. His best time in the 200 meters, a 20.96 at the Maple Grove Invite in early May, was just .04 off the state record.

Caldwell may have done McClellon one better. She set the state record in the 200 meters by running a 23.59 at the Howard Wood Relays in Sioux Falls, S.D., on May 6. And, after falling just short of the record in the 100 meters at the same meet, she set the record in the 100 meters when she ran a 11.67 at the Class 2A, Section 2 meet.

Disappointing end

The fickle nature of high school baseball was on display in Minnetonka's unexpectedly quick exit from the Class 4A, Section 2 playoffs.

At one time, the Skippers were 11-1 and, with a roster loaded with future college players, looked to a favorite for the 4A state title. But they slumped in the latter part of the regular season, losing six of their last eight games.

The nadir came in their first game in the section playoffs. Starter Sam Thoreson, their most consistent pitcher all season, allowed the first six Shakopee batters in the first inning to reach base without the benefit of a hit, on five walks and a hit batter. Five of them scored and the Skippers could not dig themselves out of that hole, falling 6-4 to the No. 7-seeded Sabers. Minnetonka lost to Eden Prairie in the losers bracket and was eliminated, having lost eight of its final 10 games.

Ultimate champs

Edina defeated Mounds View 13-7 to win the boys' ultimate state championship Monday night at Hamline University. Great River School of St. Paul defeated Apple Valley by the same score to win the girls' title. Ultimate is a team game that resembles touch football, but is played with a Frisbee-like disc.

Jim Paulsen