Omaha- The Kearney boys track team claimed their first state title in 10 years on Thursday as the Bearcats captured the Class A state title. Kearney dominated the sport from 1994-2004 and then won five more titles in the next decade.
Kearney did it this time with two individual champions — Luke Brachle in the high jump and Cole Brandt in the discus. The Bearcats 4×100 meter relay team also claimed the state title. They Bearcats finished with 78 points. Omaha Westside won the girls title. In Class B, Norris was first while Waverly was second, Waverly won the Class B Girls.
In Class B, Cozad’s Boston Irish was impressive in the Pole Vault as he claimed the Class B state title by clearing 15 feet.
The Lexington girls and boys track teams wrapped up competition on Thursday. Here is the report from head coach Sam Jilka.
Lexington Track & Field
State Championships-Omaha
Minutemaid Results and Highlights—Day 2
· Shot Put Abbi Sutton 3rd—39’ 4 ¼” (new pr
· Triple Jump: Mady Wolfe 35’ 9 ¼” 6th (new p.r.)
Highlights
–Abbi Sutton worked through the anxiety of uncertainty early in the competition as she was battling to earn a chance to be in the finals. Her initial throws, though respectable, were below what she has achieved before. Once she had the opportunity to be in the finals, she rose to the occasion and threw a new personal best of 39’ 4 ¼ to earn her second third place medal (She had also placed third in discus the previous day).
–Mady Wolfe also earned a chance to be in the finals for triple jump and saved her best jump for the last, setting a new personal best of 35’ 9 ¼’ to earn 6th place and be a medalist. It is rewarding to see her result in her third straight year of State competition as Mady is a competitor and her patience with the process has paid off.
The Minutemaids finished 14th in the team total with 15 points.
Minutemen:
· 1600 Meters: Isac Portillo 4:31.33 10th
· 300 Hurdles Christian Burton
–Freshman Isac Portillo utilized the 1600 meters to gain additional experience running at championship level in a very competitive race. The top six lead runners ran sub 4:20 and though Isac wasn’t with the group he ran very well and set a personal best time of 4;31.33 to reset the 9th grade record. The state experience has helped Isac recognize the potential and skills he possess and provides a great starting point moving towards his upcoming cross country season. Teammate Laz Adame, though not running the race, was tremendously helpful in providing guidance and strategies for Isac to use.
–Christian Burton fell short of his expectation and personal goal for the meet but gained valuable experience being at State. It will give him an opportunity to learn more how to compete at a higher level and work more with the mental preparation to avoid nerves that influence a performance. He had a tremendous year of growth in the hurdle and will be working to return to Omaha to compete in both hurdle races next season.
Minutemen were 31st in the team rankings.
