The Britton-Hecla track squad just missed getting a couple of state qualifiers on the podium last weekend with a pair of ninth place finishes.
Coach Stephanie Symens’ squad had 15 state qualifiers in eight events at the three-day meet held in Sioux Falls Thursday through Saturday.
“The kids competed well,” said Symens. “Moving up to Class A, we knew it was going to be a little bit tougher than last year. We have to compete against schools that are much larger than we are. Our kids bettered their times and places, and we ended a great season with great kids and parents!”
Jaxon Zuehlke qualified for state with the 23rd best throw in the javelin but he jumped up to the ninth spot with a throw of 151-03, over seven feet better than his qualifying effort. The other ninth place finisher was Daniel Person in the 1600-meter run as he posted his best effort of the season by nearly three seconds.
The boys 3200 relay of Jaxon Zuehlke, Jack Teveldal, Drew Heitmann, and Person moved up three spots from 14th to 11th with a time of 8:37.67, over four seconds better than their qualifying time. Britton-Hecla’s boys 1600 quartet of Bryce Hawkinson, Zuehlke, Ben Suther, and Person was 13th in 3:34.19, improving from the 20th slot, taking over two seconds off their best time.
Marley Sundin qualified in the 23rd spot in the 100 dash and placed 19th with a 13.34 clocking. The girls 3200 relay of Ava Teveldal, Jeris Stark, Livia Knecht, and Daynika Zuehlke improved from the 22nd spot to 21st with a 10:53.0 effort. Chaz Vietor and Jaelee Grupe both qualified in high jump but did not clear the opening height.
Temperature: 58°F Town: Britton, SD
Pressure: 1018 hPa
Wind: 3 mph
