This last week the Patriots Track and Field team had two last chance meets to earn spots into the State Track Meet. Basically our play-offs for Track and Field in South Dakota. We had two nice days on Tuesday and Thursday. I think Thursday was too nice, we had so much sun our athletes seemed to be pretty wiped out by the end of the day, but still competed well. Quite a few of our athletes continued to beat their personal bests during these last two meets.
Our seniors did well: Josiah Wiebe finished his high school track career with a personal best in the 3200M run finishing in 11:38:58 which is the fastest the 3200 has been ran since at least 2009. Isaac Van Scharrel added three more inches onto the pole vault on Tuesday with a 9'6". Jodyn Bawek finished with personal bests in long jump and triple jump. Mason Tschetter continued to fight to the end in the 400M and 800M earning spots in the top 20 of Patriots history since 2009. Brendan Nowell was able to earn a spot in the State Track meet on Thursday with a personal best in the long jump. Erik Salmen earned spots in the shot put, discus, and javelin for the State Track meet. Great job seniors! We will miss you and we wish you all the best in the future.
The Patriots State Qualifiers are:
Emma Schneider for long jump and triple jump
Isabel Gilbert 400M
Emmerie Arthurs 100M and 200M
Erik Salmen Shot, Discus, Javelin
Brendan Nowell Long Jump
Payton Chasing Hawk 400M and 300 Hurdles
Boys 4X200 relay- order and alternate to be determined- Brendan Nowell, Devin Enander, Payton Chasing Hawk, Logan LaBrie, Erik Salmen
Our Team Awards for this year go to:
Emma Schneider - MVP of field events for our girls with over 100 points earned
Emmerie Arthurs - MVP of running events for our girls with over 90 points earned (Isabel Gilbert was right on her tail.)
Erik Salmen - MVP of field events for our boys with over 100 points earned
Logan LaBrie - MVP of running events for our boys with over 130 points earned (Payton Chasing Hawk was right on his tail.)
Overall, with the weather we were dealt our Patriots track season was great. We had many personal bests by our younger athletes to our senior athletes. Great job Patriots and thank you families for all of your support. Come cheer on our State qualifiers this coming Thursday May 23rd through Saturday May 25th at Howard Wood Stadium in Sioux Falls. #GoPatriots