The Cowboys track team also fought through scorching conditions at Grundy Center, and although they had a few disappointments, there were some impressive personal bests that resulted in state qualifications.
Junior Nevan Foss automatically qualified by winning the high jump with a jump of 6-2. Cowboys coach Ben Lindaman was impressed with his high jumper. “Nevan had his personal best jump in the high jump. He was able to add 4 inches to his season and 1 inch to his personal best from last year. He cleared 6’2 for 1st place at the district meet. He will be ranked #13 at the state meet.”
“There were some ups and downs with qualifying,” added Lindaman. “We were hoping to qualify Mason Allen in the discus, but unfortunately, he had an off night. We also had an unfortunate situation in the Shuttle Hurdle Relay. It was too bad because we were running very fast. They were on pace to be a new school record and they possibly could have got 1st or 2nd place at the meet.”
After those stumbles, Lindaman was very happy that the team got some good news late Friday when two more events qualified at-large. These were the 4×100 meter relay (44.32), runners- Rigo Bobadilla, Connor State, Nevan Foss, Aidan Harrington; and the 4×200 meter relay (1:32.95), runners Jacob Ingebritson, Bobadilla, Foss, and Harrington.
“I was very impressed with how three of the athletes from the disqualified shuttle hurdle relay team bounced back in the 4×100 and 4×200 Relays,” emphasized Lindaman. “Both relays finished 3rd at the meet and were able to qualify on their time from the district meet. Both relays had best times of the year by a lot. The 4×100 took 1.13 seconds off their best with a time of 44.32. The 4×200 took 2.63 seconds off their best for a time of 1:32.95. The 4×100 will be ranked #13 and the 4×200 will be ranked #14 at the state meet.”
Other Cowboy top-8 placers at Districts: Discus- Mason Allen-3rd (131-01); 110 m hurdles- Connor State- 8th (16.44); Shot put- Nick Sisson-8th (39-09.75); 4×400 m relay- 7th (3:38.99)-Alex Greving, Ingebritson, Diego Gonzalez, Bobadilla.
The State Track Meet takes place Thursday through Saturday, May 19-21 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
