The Le Mars girls track and field team placed sixth as a team at the Class 3A state qualifying meet in Sergeant Bluff on Thursday. They also automatically qualified three events with more expected to get in on time.
It did not take long for the Bulldogs to get some automatic qualifiers in the shuttle hurdle relay and with Kenzie Niehus in the long jump. Things were great at times and challenging at times for the Bulldogs, but head coach Tammi Dunn says they were always able to push through the tough times.
The most challenging part of the night came right at the end of the meet. The 4x400m Relay team finished second in their event but was ultimately penalized and disqualified due to an official ruling of blocking an attempt to pass. Coach Dunn recounts the explanation given her by the race official.
A lot of the girls on the 4x400m Relay team were on other relays that had success like the shuttle hurdle or the 4x200m Relay that both qualified for state. Coach Dunn says they have a drive and competitiveness that is second to none.
The Bulldogs will now look to push past the disappointing end to the night with a guaranteed three events qualifying and more that were just out on placement but should be in on time. Coach Dunn says her girls will run their best and should have a good chance to place well in a few events.
The 2024 state track meet runs from May 16-18 next week at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
