Strong season continues at regionals for MHS track teams
Sports reporter
After dominating the Mid-Central Activities Association a week ago, the Marion High School Warrior track teams found more success Friday at the 3A regional track meet hosted by Cheney High School.
The girls' team was fifth and the boys' sixth out of 15 schools.
MHS will have athletes represented in 14 events Friday and Saturday at the state track meet in Wichita on both the boys' and girls' sides. Head coach Grant Thierolf knew the meet was going to be filled with talent, and was pleased with the results.
"We had a good day," he said, "competing very well in a tough regional."
It was no surprise the girls' team was led by the same duo that has carried the Warriors all season. Veteran senior leader Erin Carr and freshman phenom Julia Zeiner qualified for seven combined events at this weekend's state track meet.
Zeiner will compete in the maximum four events after finishing third in the long jump, fourth in the pole vault and 400m dash, and second as one-fourth of the 4x100m relay team.
But it was Carr who dominated her field, winning the 100m dash and taking second in the 200m dash. She also ran with Zeiner, Kayley Heerey, and Kristen Steinborn in the 4x100, setting a school record with a time of 50.24 seconds.
"She is set up well for a run at a state championship, and will have a great weekend at state," Thierolf said of Carr.
Distance runners had a solid day for the girls' team as well, as senior Danielle Cope and sophomore Camille Christensen ensured the Warriors would have representatives in the both the mile and two-mile races.
Cope was second Friday with a time of 11 minutes, 47.60 seconds, finishing only behind a returning state champion.
"She ran a tremendous race," Thierolf said. "She finished just .3 seconds off the school record and will be in great shape to get the record at state."
Christensen will be running in both the 3200 and 1600m races after finishing fourth in both events at regionals.
"She ran two very strong races," Thierolf said.
Four athletes on the boys' side qualified for individual events.
Luke Gordon was the top placer, taking second in the high jump, clearing six feet, two inches.
"He just missed six four, and if he continues to jump well he will be in the mix for a medal at state," Thierolf said.
Kyle Hett, Tylor Neil, and Jake Czarnowsky, all squeaked in by taking fourth in their respective events.
Hett punched his ticket in the long jump, Neil the triple jump, and Czarnowsky the 300m hurdles. Hett also teamed up with Jason Hett, Emmanuel Jackson, and Justin Heidebrecht in qualifying in the 4x400m relay.
The fifth fourth-place event for MHS consisted of Heidebrecht, Jason Hett, John Barr III, and Adam Regnier in the 4x800m relay.
Kyle Hett reached the meet in his final chance after battling injuries his entire career.
"He has come along way this year as a jumper," Thierolf said, "and has worked hard to get to this point of the season."
Czarnowsky made it in his final chance as well, and on the other side of the spectrum, Neil will be representing his school during his freshman season.
"That's quite an accomplishment," Thierolf said.
The relay squads will have a chance to make some noise according to Thierolf.
"Both of these teams are right on the edge of being in contention for state medals and they will be ready to go when we hit Wichita."
The state meet includes qualifiers from each level and every high school in the state, although athletes only compete against others in their class. It will begin Friday morning at Wichita State University, and end Saturday evening.
Look for full results on Page 14.
