15 Trojans headed for state track

Hillsboro’s Kaden Ward shows his pole vaulting form that earned him third place and a berth at the Class 2A state meet this weekend by clearing 12 feet. Ward also qualified for state in long jump and high jump.The Hillsboro track and field team qualified 15 athletes, including two alternates, for 12 events at the Class 2A regional meet Friday in Herington.

Despite several weather-related delays, the Trojans persevered to the end to guarantee a sizable presence at the state meet in Wichita Friday and Saturday in Cessna Stadium.

“Our athletes performed exceptionally well in some really tough weather conditions,” coach Dennis Boldt said. “The coaching staff is extremely proud of their efforts and are excited to take so many athletes to the state track and field meet this weekend.”

For the girls, Sienna Kaufman qualified for two individual events by winning the pole vault (9 feet) and placing third in long jump (14 feet, 111⁄2).

Abby Sechrist qualified for two events, placing fourth in the open 800 (2 minutes, 33.47) and in the 4×800 (11:01.02) with teammates Brittany Schale, Savannah Unruh, Tiffany Schale. Eva Franz and Rebecca Kauf­man are the alternates.

Brooklyn Wiens qualified in discus with a third-place medal (99-5).

In terms of events, Kaden Ward led the boys by qualifying in three events. The junior placed second in high jump (6-0) and long jump (19-1⁄4) and finished third in pole vault (12-0).

Wes Shaw, meanwhile, claimed two gold medals. His winning shot put throw (50-0) was almost 41⁄2 inches further than the runner-up. His winning distance in discus (141-4) surpassed his closest competitor by 11 feet, 3 inches.

Jonathan Hinerman qualified in two events, placing third in the 1,600 (4:46.50) and fourth in the 4×400 with teammates Brodie Rathbone, Garrett Funk and Travis King. Raymond Johnston and Ward are the alternates.

Hillsboro boys placed as the team with 57 points, trailing only Yates Center (119) and Beran Academy (73) among the 16 schools competing.

The Trojan girls placed sixth with 37 points. Beran Academy won the meet with 1321⁄2 points.

“Both girls’ and boys’ teams scored well,” Boldt said. “After competing in such a tough league, the athletes could see just how well they can perform against schools in our class.”

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