Fri, January 23, 2026
Thu, January 22, 2026

Star Valley Tigers, Jackson Hole Wolves Kick Off Indoor Track Season

JACKSON, WY - January 22nd, 2026 - The Star Valley Tigers and Jackson Hole Wolves indoor track teams officially launched their 2026 season this past Friday at the Snake River Open, held in Idaho. The meet served as a vital early-season opportunity for athletes to acclimate to the unique demands of indoor track and field and to establish a foundational benchmark for their progress throughout the year.

The Snake River Open provided a stage for numerous impressive individual performances from both teams, signaling a potentially exciting season ahead. The Star Valley Tigers saw several athletes shine, demonstrating a blend of strength and versatility. Leading the way for the Tigers was Kylie Hoopes, who dominated the girls' long jump competition with an impressive leap of 16 feet, 11.5 inches, securing a decisive victory.

Beyond Hoopes' triumph, other notable achievements for the Tigers included a strong showing from Aiden Clark in the boys' 5,000-meter run, clocking in at 16:56.21. Riley Williams showcased her endurance with a solid performance in the girls' 3,200-meter run, finishing in 12:29.28. The Tigers also saw success in the boys' high jump, with Josh Smith clearing a height of 5 feet, 10 inches.

The Jackson Hole Wolves were not to be outdone, demonstrating their own depth of talent. Alex Stauffer delivered a standout performance in the girls' 1,600-meter run, finishing with a time of 5:13.34, a testament to her speed and stamina. Dylan Senter's powerful display in the boys' shot put, with a throw of 42 feet, 3.5 inches, also earned him significant recognition.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of track and field, several athletes from both teams challenged themselves by competing in multiple events throughout the Snake River Open. This versatility highlights their commitment to a well-rounded approach to training and competition. The meet itself wasn't just about winning; it was a crucial step in the athletes' journey. Adjusting to the differences between outdoor and indoor track - the tighter turns, the altered air dynamics, and the confined space - requires specific adjustments to technique and pacing. The Snake River Open provided a controlled environment to make those adjustments.

Coaches from both Star Valley and Jackson Hole emphasized the importance of this early competition for setting performance goals and identifying areas for improvement. Analyzing the results from the Snake River Open will allow them to refine training programs and individual athlete strategies as the season progresses. The meet provided valuable data points, allowing for a more informed and targeted approach to athlete development.

The focus now shifts forward as both the Tigers and the Wolves prepare for their next challenge: the BYU Indoor Track and Field Meet in Provo, Utah, scheduled for next Friday. This meet represents a significant step up in competition, offering the opportunity to face a wider range of athletes and a more challenging environment. The experience gained at the Snake River Open will undoubtedly prove invaluable as they prepare to tackle this next hurdle and continue their pursuit of excellence throughout the indoor track season. Expectations are high, and the entire community eagerly anticipates witnessing the continued growth and success of these talented young athletes.


Read the Full Wyoming News Article at:
[ https://www.wyomingnews.com/rocketminer/tigers-wolves-kick-off-indoor-track-season-at-snake-river-open/article_bef92c64-32ea-443f-99bf-8a220e677b30.html ]