The Le Mars Community boys track and field team already knows that it is sending six events down to next week’s state meet after a great performance in Sioux Center on Thursday.
The weather had its time to shine (or not shine) at times throughout the meet leaving the Bulldogs with some unpredictable outcomes. Even while the weather was a bit unpredictable early on, the Bulldogs jumped into the meet getting both jumping field events to qualify for state. Head coach Caleb Van Otterloo says that set the tone for a great meet.
The high jump qualifying was not much of a surprise but getting the long jump in as well was not a foregone conclusion. Coach Van Otterloo says Brett McInnis stepped up to the plate to help contribute to the strong start.
On brand with the jumping theme, Le Mars qualified two hurdle events with Wichieng Hosnyang in the 110m hurdles and Tycen Augustine in the 400m hurdles. The Bulldogs also set a school-record time in the shuttle hurdle relay but placed third, so that event has to technically wait for official word. Coach Van Otterloo says the hurdlers have been improving leaps and bounds all year.
The Bulldogs competed against some good teams in Sioux Center, and they will get the chance to compete against some good athletes next week. Coach Van Otterloo says the guys relish in the challenge that a good track meet like state brings.
The Bulldogs placed fourth as a team in the boys standings. The state meet runs from Thursday, May 22 through Saturday, May 24 in Des Moines.
