Gillette's bid for a fifth consecutive title at the Class 4A Wyoming High School State Boys Track and Field Championships got off to a rousing start in the first track event of the meet.

Graydon Curry and Paul Burke finished one-two in the 3,200 meters on Thursday at Kelly Walsh's Harry Geldien Stadium to give the Camels an edge on the field. Green River and Rock Springs are expected to challenge Gillette for 4A dominance.

In the 3,200 meters, Curry actually credited a Rock Springs runner for helping him win.

"I'm really glad I didn't have to lead the whole way," Curry said. "A kid from Rock Springs took it the first mile, then (Laramie's) Brian Pierre took it the two laps after that. It was a really good race, I was really happy with it. … It's a lot easier, especially with all this wind just to draft behind someone."

Curry finished with a time of 9 minutes, 47.07 seconds, while Burke crossed the line in 9:48:32. Burke is still recovering from a pinched nerve in his foot and said he hasn't felt as fast in the last couple weeks.

As for the team aspect, both said the finishes set a good tone.

"It's going to help out our team a lot," Burke said. "That's what we've been looking for the whole weekend."

The Camels split the title with Natrona County last season after a controversial photo finish in the 200 meters. Before that, Gillette won three straight solo crowns.

At the end of the day, Laramie had a one point lead over Rock Springs in the 4A boys team race. Gillette is tied for third with Green River, 9.5 points off the lead.

Lander led Powell by 11 points in Class 3A boys team standings.

On the girls side, Cheyenne Central had a 15-point advantage on Rock Springs, although the Cody 3,200 relay team had the highlight of the day. In 3A, Douglas had a commanding 45-point advantage on Mountain View.

4A GIRLS 3,200 METER RELAY: Cody broke the Wyoming state record by running a blistering 9:30.85 in the 4x800 relay in the final event of the day.

The old mark belonged to Gillette, which ran a 9:31.19 in 2001.

4A BOYS LONG JUMP: Natrona County coach Rosie Brown was pleased the Mustangs picked up a first-place finish in the first field event of the meet when Zack Bolger claimed the long jump (see related story).

"So far, so good," Brown said. "… For (Bolger) against his 4A competition, it was an outstanding feat for him. He's the one kid, if you would've asked, who has the best chance of winning the state championship? I'm not sure you would've said, 'Zack Bolger.' We wouldn't have said that."

4A GIRLS 3,200 METERS: Absolutely no surprise here.

Sarah Balfour dismantled the competition to claim her fourth straight 3,200 title. While Balfour's time of 11:38.09 wasn't close to a personal best, it was more than enough to beat Central's Kerry Washburn (11:58.93). Plus, Balfour's been bothered by a nagging knee injury.

Balfour, who will compete in cross country and track and field at Texas A&M, will go for her fourth straight 1,600-meter title on Saturday.

Senior sports reporter Jack Daly can be reached at (307) 266-0528 or sports@casperstartribune.net