Monti sends five entries to state meet
Avery Martensen qualified for State in three events, including two individually, and the Monticello High School boys track and field team will be represented by five entries and a total of six athletes overall.
Those results came out of the Class 2A State Qualifying Meet held Thursday, May 10 at Dike-New Hartford.
“There were a lot of positives,” Williams said. “Everyone got better.”
The Panthers scored 58 points to finish in a tie for ninth place as a team. Union of La Porte City was first with 82, Dike-New Hartford took second with 76.5, and East Marshall was third with 74.
Martensen won the 110-meter high hurdles in a time of 14.99 to advance in that event. He also jumped 6-foot-1 in the high jump, finishing fourth but earning an at-large bid to State.
Aaron Loes finished second in the 1,600 in 4:40.24 to earn an automatic spot in the state meet. Cole Cruise qualified individually by taking fourth in the 3,200 with a time of 10:21.04, earning an at-large bid.
“Avery has a definite shot at being right in the mix in the 110 highs,” Williams said. “Aaron should place in the 1,600. He’s been there before, and he knows what he’s doing. And it’s great that Cole made it as a sophomore.”
The Panthers also advanced in the 4x100 relay, as the team of Max Keleher, Alex Nealson, Martensen and Gavin Cooper finished third in 45.13.
“It’s nice for Max and Alex, as seniors, to get there and have that experience again,” the coach said.
The Class 2A State Track and Field Meet will be held Thursday through Saturday, May 17-19 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.
“Hopefully we can build on what we have and go forward next year,” Williams said.
May 10
Class 2A State
Qualfying Meet
(at Dike-New Hartford)
TEAM SCORES
1, Union 82; 2, Dike-New Hartford 76.5; 3, East Marshall 74; 4, Jesup 72.5; 5, Dyersville Beckman 67; 6, Williamsburg 63; 7, Iowa City Regina 62.5; 8, Aplington-Parkersburg 58.5; 9 (tie) Monticello 58 and West Marshall 58; 10, Waterloo Columbus 36; 12, South Hardin 33.
MONTICELLO RESULTS
(state qualifiers in bold)
1600 – 2, Aaron Loes, 4:40.24; 7, Cole Cruise, 4:55.75.
3200 – 4, Cole Cruise, 10:21.04; 6, Aaron Loes, 10:41.10.
110 hurdles: 1, Avery Martensen, 14.99.
4x100: 3, Monticello (Max Keleher, Alex Nealson, Avery Martensen, Gavin Cooper), 45.13.
4x200: 5, Monticello (Max Keleher, Alex Nealson, Carter Cruise, Gavin Cooper), 1:34.80.
4x400: 7, Monticello (Tyler Nealson, Alex Nealson, Avery Martensen, Carter Cruise), 3:46.93.
4x800: 8, Monticello (Jayden Orcutt, Levi Temple, Zach Chapman, Jasper Nietert), 9:35.30.
Distance medley: 6, Monticello (Max Keleher, Gavin Cooper, Carter Cruise, Aaron Loes), 3:50.92.
High jump: 4, Avery Martensen, 6-1.
Shot put: 5, Lake Stahlberg, 46-7.75.
Discus: 4, Wade Picray, 139-00.