North Mahaska competed in individual events on the first day of the Class 1A state track meet on the Blue Oval at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. Dylan Klinker ran in the 100 meters, Sean Knockel in the 400 meters and Grant Smith competed in the long jump.
Klinker ran in a very competitive field and finished 17th in 17.61 seconds. English Valleys’ Beau Flander, who edged Klinker at the district meet, won the prelim in 17.15. Flander will advance to Saturday’s finals.
Knockel placed 15th overall in the 400 in 52.25 seconds. Trevor Sauerbreit, who had the top time coming in, won the prelim in 50.1 and advances to Saturday’s final.
In the long jump, Smith jumped 18-feet 9.75-inches. Flander, who won the district long jump, was seventh with a leap of 19-11.5. Neither jumper went as far as they did at the district meet.
Smith, Knockel and Klinker will team with Matthew Goemaat tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the 400-meter relay prelim. The top eight will advance to the finals on Saturday afternoon at 5:35 p.m. NM posted in the 16th best time at districts in a runnerup finish in 45.35. Easton Valley has the top time of 44.48.
The quartet will return to Drake Saturday afternoon to compete in the sprint medley final at 2:20 p.m. North Mahaska has the 12th best time posting a 1:37.46 at districts. The field will be chasing Wapsie Valley, who has the best time of 1:34.26.
If unable to attend, the events are available on a free livestream, which can be accessed at IAHSAA.org or IGHSAU.org.