Wildcat track teams have 9 automatic state qualifiers, 13 overall

The Humboldt High girl/boy track teams secured nine automatic state qualifying events, 13 overall, into next week's Class 3A state championships after competing in a state qualifying meet in Spirit Lake Thursday night. The first and second place entries in each event automatically qualify. The remainder of the state field was made up of the next best times and performances across the state.

Humboldt's girls qualified seven events. The Wildcats have Bryce Gidel qualifying in both the 1,500 and 3,000 meters along with Kelsey Peters in the discus. Both won all three of those events at Spirit Lake. Other state entries for coach Dean Clasen's squad include the 4x400 relay of Olivia Hildreth, Beth Duffield, Kate Curran and Gabby Kent. The 4x800 relay of Hildreth, Duffield, Curran and Kent. The 800 meter sprint medley relay of Peters, Duffield, Mady Lange and Kent, and the distance medley relay of Rachel Darling, Claire Varangkounh, Duffield and Gidel.

Humboldt's boys qualified six events to state. Colton Monson advanced in the 110-meter high hurdles, Ryan Courtney in the 3,200 meters, along with the 4x200 relay of Drew Thomas, Jamison Heinz, Matt Miller and Denny Pederson. Jamison Heinz was second in the 200 meters and the sprint medley relay also advanced. The shuttle hurdle relay of Trevor Satern, Tyler Vitzthum, Eli Sande and Monson finished second to earn a state berth.

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