Vikes Open State Meet With Relay Medal, Multiple Podium Finishes

Without local news, all we have are rumors. Keep facts alive — give now. DES MOINES — The Vikes bounded into competition Thursday at the state track and field championships at Drake Stadium with multiple medal-winning performances, highlighted by a third-place finish in the boys 4x800-meter relay and top-five finishes in the girls high jump and discus. The boys 4x800 relay team of Garrett See, Bennett Coppola, Bill Fullhart and Mitchell Stemper delivered one of the top performances of the day for the Vikes, placing third in 7:53.16 to earn all-state honors. Pella won the event in a state meet record time of 7:45.53, followed by Gilbert in 7:47.21. In the field events, Renae Wilson tied for fourth in the girls high jump to secure a state medal, while Annika Schmelzer added another podium finish with a fifth-place performance in the discus. Grace Tangen also competed in the discus and finished 10th. Peyton Webb tied for 18th in the high jump. On the track, Clarence Nimrod finished 13th in the boys 3,200-meter run, while Derek Hrdlicka placed 21st in the same event. The girls 4x800 relay team of Eva Hurley, Lauren Holthaus, Raelyn Newhouse and Olivia Volkman finished 12th overall. In sprint events, Stella Pole placed 17th in the 200-meter dash and Cassandra Stammeyer finished 13th in the 100-meter dash. The girls shuttle hurdle relay team of Addison Ivy, Kelby Kerndt, Kennedy Riehle and Wilson narrowly missed qualifying for the finals, placing ninth overall. The state track and field championships continue Friday and conclude Saturday at Drake Stadium. Competition begins at 9 a.m. each day, with DecorahNews.com providing updates through the final day of competition Saturday. Full, live updates of the events can be found here. Your inbox, upgraded! Subscribe for free and enjoy handpicked stories, helpful advice, and local insights delivered weekly.