The KLEM listening area has two of the best boys high jumpers in the state of Iowa, and they will compete at the Drake Relays today. Le Mars’ Wichieng Hosnyang and MMCRU’s Lucas Braun both punched their ticket to the Blue Oval to compete amongst the state’s best.
For Hosnyang, this season has been one of growth as the year has progressed. He says that has allowed him to take things slowly as he continued to reach new heights.
The high jumping lineage at Le Mars has been great the last few seasons. That could have led to a lot of pressure for Hosnyang who is also following in his brother Wanding’s footsteps. Instead, Hosnyang says it has been fun to get to continue the legacy set by his brother and Sione Fifita.
At the Relays, Hosnyang is looking forward to getting a chance to compete with the state’s best high jumpers.
This could be a learning trip for Hosnyang who will be surrounded by talent. He says getting to pick up on some of the things his competitors do will be beneficial to him.
Meanwhile, MMCRU’s Lucas Braun is just the second Royal ever to qualify for Drake. His 6’5” jump in the indoor season was enough to send him to Des Moines. Braun says he has continued to work every single day on improving that height.
Reaching a height of 6’5” early in the season allowed Braun to focus and reach for higher heights at this point in the season. He says 6’6” is the next goal, and he has been close many times.
As Hosnyang mentioned, Braun is eager to see the competition that he will face off with in Des Moines. He says this is a great opportunity to learn a few things about the craft.
When it comes to the Relays, Braun wants to put his best foot forward. He says that will allow him to focus on bigger things later in the year leading up to state qualifiers in a few weeks.
Both guys will be jumping starting at 4:30 PM this afternoon.
