CHANUTE A stampede of Mustangs and Fillies will be making their way to Wichita this weekend for the state track meet after a stellar performance Friday at the 4A regional meet in Chanute.
Fourteen Iolans qualified in eight individual events and three relays.
The girls finished fifth overall at the regional meet with the boys coming in ninth.
The qualifiers came from all areas of the track and field spectrum from relays to distance runners, sprinters, throwers, jumpers and hurdlers.
Leading the way, as shes done the past three seasons, was Elysia Kunkler.
The junior took first in the high hurdles (15.18) and in the long jump with a jump of 166.5 which won her the event by around two feet despite jumping into a wind.
Kunkler wrapped it all up with a fourth-place finish in the 4×100 along Kassy Shelby, Elanie Sturgeon and Ella Taylor with a time of 52.82 which was a season-best.
This was an incredible accomplishment by this team, head coach Dana Daugharthy said. We had a very slim chance to make it to state with this team and everything had to go right in order for them to qualify.
Taylor was another Filly that qualified in three events, joining Kunkler in the 4×100 along with a third-place finish in the pole vault of 80 and a fourth-place finish in the triple jump (296).
During the past season, Ella has really blossomed into a very competitive athlete for us, Daugharthy said. She has progressed so much this year in the pole vault and is capable of going a full foot higher. Well look for her to go even higher at state next weekend.
Rachel Bycroft took third in the 3200 with a time of 13.24.56 and qualified in the 4×800 along with Averie Sharon, Josie Plumlee and Audrey Coltrane who all took second with a time of 11:17.77 which was a season-best despite the fact that the team was guaranteed a trip to state due to the fact that there were only four teams running in the event.
Iolas other distance stand-out was Jack Adams. Adamstook second in a very competitive 3200 field with a personal best time of 10:32.55.
Adams then went on to take second in the 4×800 along with Tavon Bass, Cole Regehr and Riley Jay with a time of 9:00.65.
Freshman Kolten LaCrone qualified in the discus after taking third with a personal best throw of 13206. It was his best by 15 feet.
This was one of the most surprising entries to qualify, Daugharthy said. In general, its very difficult for freshmen to qualify for the state meet, especially in throwing events. But he was able to throw a great mark that most upperclassman could not replicate. It is incredible that is he only a freshman and Im excited that he is going to experience state.
Lastly, Christine Helman qualified in the shot put with a throw 3400.5 which was a personal record.
The Mustangs and Fillies will head to Wichita on Friday where theyll have the late session this year. Events will start at 1:15 p.m. with the girls long jump.
