Two State Champions!

High School Track & Field

by Coach Jay O'Neill

A very successful Track & Field Season was culminated by two event winners at the State Track and Field meet in Wichita. Defending champion Abraham Noll was second in the 400m Dash this year, but added the 200m victory to his resume as well as an additional 2nd place finish in the 100m Dash. Lisa Weishaar entered the State meet with the fastest 300m hurdle time of 3A and improved on her school record setting time on the way to victory in that race, as well as a 4th place finish in the 100m Dash and 5th place in the 200m Dash. Lisa’s time was the 4th fastest time in all classes at the State meet this year for the hurdle race.

Senior Kelsey Schuler carrying the baton in the 4x800m Relay.

Other individuals competing at State this year were Luke Noll, 8th in Triple Jump; Ely Henry, 8th in Pole Vault; Quentin McAfee, 12th in Pole Vault; Gage Funk, 13th in 400m Dash; Amelia Noll, 9th in 800m Run; and the 4x400m Relay of Gage Funk, Taylor Weishaar, Amelia Noll, and Lisa Weishaar, 9th place. School records were set by Lisa Weishaar in the 300m Hurdles (45.58) and Amelia Noll in the 800m Run (2:25.55), and the Freshman/Sophomore Pole Vault record was tied by Quentin McAfee (12 feet).

In all, a total of 66 boys and girls competed in Track & Field this year, making it one of the largest groups in recent history. The girls finished with a combined V/JV total of 70 wins and 24 losses, while the boys were 75-24 through the Delaware Valley meet in which both teams finished second. The boys have 8 seniors graduating while the girls have 2 seniors so we expect big things from the underclassmen who will be returning next year.

The Track and Field team appreciates all our fans through the year, especially as it was so cold and windy for many of our meets. We had a significant representation in Wichita as well, so thank you for your support. The cheerleaders also provided entertainment for the few of us up in the wee hours of the night as they decorated homes, cars, and vans for those going to State- thanks girls/guys.

The entire Track & Field team.

I would also like to thank the other coaches for their encouragement and expertise; Jack Moore in Long and Triple Jumps, Boyd Hutchinson in the throws, and Rich Leakey in sprints and hurdles. Thanks also goes to Mr. Bedigrew for advice in Pole Vault and scheduling, and to Lori Navinskey and Marcy Noll for making numerous phone calls, keeping me up to date on paperwork, and handling the finances. To the athletes, thanks for all your hard work and competitiveness- that is what makes it all worth while- run lots of miles this summer and hit the weights.

Click here to see more pictures from the State Track Meet.