Soaring, Sprinting: Decorah Dominates at NEIC Indoor Track Meet

Strong communities start with trustworthy reporting—give to local news now! DECORAH — As the weather warmed outside, the indoor season got off to a fast start. On March 25, the area's top track and field athletes gathered at the Luther College Regents Center for the NEIC Indoor Track Meet. Joining the Vikings were competitors from neighboring Charles City, Crestwood, New Hampton and Waukon. With strong performances across multiple events, Decorah showcased its depth and talent, taking home numerous victories on both the boys' and girls' sides. Girls Shine in Multiple Events Decorah's Renae Wilson led the day's victories, winning the 55-meter hurdles with a time of 8.80 seconds before soaring in the high jump, clearing 5 feet, 2 inches. Teammate Audrey Essa matched that dominance on the track, sprinting her way to wins in the 55-meter dash (7.49) and the 200-meter dash (26.69). The Vikings continued to pile up wins in the relay events. The 4x800 squad clocked in at 10:31.99, the 4x200 team raced to a 1:51.50 finish, and the 4x400 relay capped off a stellar night with a 4:20.08 performance. Raelyn Newhouse added to the medal count with a win in the 800 meters (2:38.77). Waukon also put up strong performances, with Miriam Downing winning the 3000 meters (12:18.38) and Reegan Benzing taking the 1500 meters (5:20.23). Waukon's distance medley relay team also claimed victory with a time of 4:40.69. New Hampton's Kinslee Rings took home the 400-meter title in 1:07.27, while Crestwood's Rose Niewoehner dominated the shot put with a winning throw of 37 feet, 2.5 inches. Boys Showcase Power and Speed On the boys' side, Decorah flexed its depth with wins in multiple events. Ashton Saltou claimed the 55-meter low hurdles in 8.63 seconds, while Joshua Adam captured the 55-meter high hurdles in 8.03 seconds. Distance specialist Davis Coppola led the charge in the 3200 meters, crossing the line in 10:29.41, while teammate Garrett See conquered the 1600 meters in 4:40.25. Relay events were another barometer of dominance for Decorah, with the Vikings winning the 4x800 (8:45.27), 4x200 (1:34.62), distance medley relay (3:47.42), and 4x400 (3:37.62). Davis Walter added to the sprint success, taking first in the 400 meters (55.12). In the field events, William Hahn's shot put throw of 50 feet, 1.25 inches was the best of the night. Crestwood's Aidan Skoda showed his speed, winning both the 55-meter dash (6.63) and the 200 meters (24.12), while Nathan Ahern led the way in the 800 meters (1:58.71). Crestwood also had success in the field events, with Nate Mahr leaping to victory in the long jump (19 feet, 0.5 inches). New Hampton's Carson Laures cleared 6 feet to win the high jump. With the outdoor season on the horizon, Decorah and other NEIC teams will look to build upon these early successes as they prepare for the next round of competition. Stay informed, stay inspired! Newsletter sign up is free and join hundreds of free subscribers who rely on DecorahNews.com for trusted information and fresh perspectives.