Staff writer
Facing tough competition at its regional meet, Marion nonetheless put seven athletes through to state.
Head coach Grant Thierolf called it a “decent day,” but said the Warriors left some events on the table.
“Like every regional, there are some events that you really hoped could get a berth at state, but things just didn’t happen for us in those events,” he said. “We had some great performances, however.”
As has been the case all year long, Kyle Palic led the boys’ team with his performances in the throwing events. Palic qualified for state by taking first in discus and second in shot. He also took fifth in javelin.
Freshman Tyler Palic had “an even better day” in discus, Thierolf said, achieving a personal record by more than nine feet. He qualified for state in discus, finishing third.
Seniors Brad Stone and Seth Snelling also qualified for state. Snelling placed third in pole vault and fourth in the 400-meter run. Stone was fifth in the 110 hurdles and third in the 300 hurdles. Thierolf said that in the 300 hurdles, Stone “got off step for the last three hurdles but kept his composure and finished the race strong.”
The 4x400 relay of Stone, Arocha, Schneider, and Snelling placed sixth.
Although he didn’t qualify for state, freshman Jack Schneider finished his season on a high note, finishing ninth in both the 100 and the 200. Sophomore Tyler Arocha finished fifth in the 400.
Trio of girls state-bound
As Kyle Palic led the boys all season in throws, sophomore Marissa Jacobson led the girls’ team with her jumps.
Jacobson took second in long jump and first in triple jump to leap into the state meet with plenty of momentum. Her last long jump run moved her from fifth to second.
Also qualifying for state were juniors Marshelle Mermis and Kristen Herzet. Mermis placed eighth in the 100 and fourth in the 400. Thierolf said she “gutted” her way to fourth in the long sprint; she has been dealing with a knee injury all season.
Herzet placed third in discus.
“She was close to her PR and had a nice series of throws,” Thierolf said. “The girls discus field is loaded in 3A this year and she can throw with any of the state’s best.”
The 4x400 relay of Jacobson, Mermis, Kirsten Hansen, and Sam Richmond placed sixth.