Goessel girls qualify in 10 track events
Staff writer
Three-sport sophomore Stephany Meyer is part of a strong Goessel girls’ squad that will participate in 10 events Friday and Saturday at the state track meet in Wichita.
“My favorite event is the triple jump,” said Meyer, who also qualified in the 200-meter dash, long jump, and 4x400-meter relay. “Last year at state, I wanted to make the medal stand, and I got eighth in triple jump, which was satisfying. This year I would like to finish higher on the medal stand.”
She placed second in triple jump at regionals last week. She also leaned for second in the 200 and placed third in long jump, leaping 16 feet 6¼ inches, her best performance of the season.
“That jump came out of nowhere,” she said. “Our 4x400-meter relay is running some awesome times.”
The team cut more than a second off its best time, finishing four laps in 4:25.18 to win the regional.
Relay member Brittney Hiebert also won the 800-meter run in 2:31.24, more than six seconds ahead of second place.
The Bluebirds’ 4x800 meter relay placed second.
All relay participants also qualified in individual events.
Hiebert hopes to repeat as state champion in the 800-meter run. Katherine Manis also earned a spot at state in the 300-meter hurdles. Lauren Rymill finished fourth in the 1,600-meter race. And Julia Nightengale finished third in the 3,200-meter run.
Olivia Duerksen will be making her fourth trip to state. She cleared 4’8” in high jump to secure second place and came in fifth in long jump.
Overall, the Bluebird girls finished third, behind Hutchinson Central Christian and Olpe.
Josh Schmidt was the only Goessel boy to score points at the regionals. He ran the 200-meter dash in 24.36 seconds for third place and also will advance to the state meet.