By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel High School senior John Berkholz is starting this year at a faster pace than the first meet a year ago. He earned a first-place medal April 5 in the 400-meter dash with a 52.7 sprint, placed second in the 200-meter dash, and third in the long jump at Marion High School’s home meet.

Teammate Laird Goertzen earned a one-two finish in the 3200-meter and 1600-meter races, respectively. Tia Goertzen continued her success from last season, earning a first-place medal in the 300-meter hurdles and second place in the triple jump.

The Marion meet had larger teams competing including Hesston and Marion along with three other schools.

The GHS girls team trailed Herington by a point for fifth place. The Goessel boys nudged ahead of Bluestem for fourth as a team.

“With only 20 kids competing, Goessel held their own,” Coach Curtis Guhr said.

Marion meet results

400-meter dash — 5. Jennifer Van Horn, 67.7 seconds

3200-meter run — 2. Brittny Czarnowsky, 14:03.6

300 hurdles — 1. Tia Goertzen, 52.9

Triple jump — 2. Tia Goertzen, 32 feet, 6 inches

Discus — 3. Shianne DeFreese, 82-7

Javelin — 5. Jessica Harvey, 77-0

Shot put — 5. Shianne DeFreese, 27-.75

200-meter dash — 2. John Berkholz, 23.8

400-meter dash — 1. John Berkholz, 52.7

1600-meter run — 2. Laird Goertzen, 5:04.6; 5. Adam Meysing, 5:23.4

3200-meter run — 1. Laird Goertzen, 10:49.8

Long jump — 3. John Berkholz, 19-2.25

Bennington meet

GHS girls and boys competed Friday at Bennington.

Triple jump — 2. Goertzen, 32-9

400-meter dash (girls) — 3. Jennifer Van Horn, 67.7

400-meter dash (boys) — 1. Berkholz, 53.3

100-meter dash — 3. Berkholz, 12.2

1600-meter run — 2. Goertzen, 4:50.10

3200-meter run — 3. Goertzen, 10:32.40