Huskies head to state
June 6, 2019
Owatonna Boys and Girls Track and Field is coming to a close this weekend as they will be sending five people to the state meet. 1AAA sections finals were held last Saturday, June 1, where the boys 4×400 team, made of Juniors Keenan Young and Fanta Omot, as well as Sophomore Zach Stranksy and Senior Zach Barrett, placed second qualified for state.
Young also placed first in the 300 meter hurdles and second in the 100 meter hurdles – both state qualifying. Young said, “It was an awesome feeling placing in the hurdlers, but the 4×400 with the guys was the best.” The boys are looking to place high enough at Friday’s qualifiers, so they can move onto Saturday. Young himself is anticipated to place towards the top of both his individual races. Head coach Kevin Stelter said, “We are hoping to qualify for Saturday in all our events, I’m excited to see what everyone will do.” The boys are excited to compete together and see what they can do this weekend at State.
The girls track team only had one runner move on to the state meet. Freshman Ava Wolfe placed sixth in the 100 meter dash, but had state qualifying time as the top eight girls made it in the section. Wolfe said, “It was weird when all eight of us won, but I’m excited to go again this year and compete.” Wolfe has grown a lot this year as a runner. She has improved all year and her time of 12.45 in the 100 meter gave her the third best time in the history of OHS Girls Track. Head coach Ann Christenson said,
She dropped her time on Friday and then again on Saturday. It is really impressive and I am excited for her.” Wolfe will be the only girl representing Owatonna in state this year. Both Wolfe and Mrs. Christenson are excited to see what she can do as a Freshman this year, and hopefully, years to come.
The Minnesota State will be held at Hamline University in Minneapolis on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8. Friday will be a day for kids to run qualifying races and make it to state finals on Saturday.
