By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel senior Stephany Meyer is aiming to make state one last time.

The “insane atmosphere” of state competition would be a way to cap a high school career that has seen her return three times and medal in triple jump the past two years.

“The audience is so large,” she said. “There is no other track meet with that much attention.”

Meyer has plenty else to look forward to in the upcoming year. The Bluebird has signed as a triple and long-jumper for Bethel College in Newton, where she will work toward a nursing degree.

Mayer finished 10th out of 16 jumpers at state in 2018.

As last year’s runner ups in the Wheat State League, and with 37 athletes between the boys and girls, Goessel track will have plenty of opportunity to experiment with different events.

The Bluebirds have six letter-winning girls returning.

Distance runners Edel Miller and Elyse Boden, and sprinters Megan Guerrero, Elizabeth Schmucker, and Rachael Boese have also competed at state. Porclein Unruh returns with experience in the middle distance events.

The team is looking forward to strong performances from its experienced athletes, coach Curtis Guhr said.

“We look forward to putting together some competitive relays,” he said.

Guhr says the boys should also find success with relays, and anticipates them placing in field events.

While there are no members of the boys team who have competed at state, they have the benefit of returning eight letter-earners from last year.

Senior Zach Zogleman was among the top returnees for the Bluebirds, having earned points in the 400-meter and several relays. Senior Zackary Guerrero competed in the hurdle events in 2018. Dawson Duerksen, David Sawyer and Jerah Schmidt were instrumental in earning points in the distance events and Jacob Hagewood and Kale Funk add sprinting skills to this year’s team.

Last year, both teams finished second in the Wheat State League track meet.