P/EC sees highs, lows at meet

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By Jon Gremmels | Saturday, May 10, 2008 11:05 PM CDT | () comments

GOOSE LAKE, Iowa — While one Preston/East Central coach was enjoying the day, another was glum Saturday at the Iowa Class 1A boys district and girls regional track meets at Northeast High School.

Mike Kelly was enjoying a team championship for the girls. But the news wasn’t as good for the boys team coached by Dan Beck. Standout Jordan Cornilsen was unable to compete because of a hamstring injury. Cornilsen set a 1A state record last year in winning the state title in the 400 meters and was the state runner-up in the 200.

“It’s very tough, especially when you feel responsible,” said Beck, who blamed himself for running Cornilsen at a meet earlier this spring on a cold day.

Things went much better for the Preston/East Central girls, who won six events and totaled 108 points, 17 more than runner-up Northeast.

“All year, our field events have been outstanding,” coach Mike Kelly said. “Today we had three firsts. We came out of the field events with 34 points, and we felt if we could get 30 we’d be in good shape.”

But the winning effort also included some drama, as Trista Shannon rallied the 800 sprint medley relay unit to victory. Shannon, who also won the open 400, took the baton for the anchor leg well off the pace and still trailed heading down the backstretch. But she overtook everyone in front of her over the final 100 meters and cross the finish line first in 1:57.62 in a race in which just 1.09 seconds separated first and fourth places.

“I just caught her (Springville’s Carly Martin) at the end,” Shannon said. “I’m happy we made it in the sprint medley. That’s the one Coach said he really wanted to go (to state) in.”

The Trojans also picked up a win in the 3,200 relay.

Northeast boys, girls 2nd

Led by its distance runners, Northeast finished runner-up in boys and girls competitions. Morgan Casey and Ryan Krogmann each played a part in four victories.

Northeast automatically qualified for state in five girls events. In Class 1A, only regional champions are ensured a spot at state. The other 12 berths go to the next 12 best finishes from across the state.

Casey, a sophomore, won the 800 in 2:21.98 and the 1,500 in 5:03.44, she anchored the first-place distance medley unit (4:21.35) and led off the victory in the 1,600 relay (4:17.34).

“What it all boils down to is the last two meets,” Casey said, referring to regionals and state. “I was doing just enough to qualify. I’m really happy with the way I ran today.”

Krogmann helped the Rebels score 40 of their 103 points in the boys meet.

Krogmann won the 800 in 2:02.73 and the 1,600 in 14:47.57 and anchored the winning 3,200 and distance medley relays.

He followed fellow juniors Shaun Eberhart, Jordan Howe and Baron Loots in running the 3,200 in a stadium and district record time of 8:23.36.

“Shaun, Baron and I ran on it last year and got second (at state), and I ran on it my freshman year,” Krogmann said. “Jordan has stepped up, and that’s the missing piece.”

Krogmann and Loots also joined Lucas Rorah and Jacob Dever in winning the distance medley in 3:42.77.

Northeast had one other winner. Derek Ketelsen threw the shot 48 feet, 1/2 inch.

Sikkema wins 3,200

Clinton Prince of Peace distance runner Drew Sikkema won the 3,200 in 10:24.34 and was second to Krogmann in the 1,600.

“It’s a pretty good day to qualify in the 3,200 and 1,600,” Sikkema said. “I’m happy with today’s results.”

Andrew hurdlers shine

Andrew showed its strength in the hurdle events in both meets.

Michelle Deppe won the 100 and 400 hurdles for girls, while Corey Manders won both of the boys races, with teammate Brandon Wagner qualifying for state with a second-place finish in the 400. Wagner and Manders also were part of the second-place shuttle hurdle relay team.

“Corey and I were talking that we wanted to sweep, and I think we did that pretty well,” Deppe said.

She won the 100 in 15.31 and the 400 in 1:09.36.

“I’m really excited about the 100 and the stadium record (in the event),” said Deppe, who finished the race with an emphatic gyration. “I was just excited when I saw the time. It’s definitely a personal record. I was moving.”

Jon Gremmels can be contacted at (563) 383-2294 or at jgremmels@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qcvarsity.com.