SUCCESS AT STATE — NRHEG’s Carlie Wagner, shown jumping during the previous week’s Section 2A meet, placed fifth in the high jump in Class A in the 2011 state meet at Hamline. (Photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
According to NRHEG track and field coach Duey Ferber, the No. 1 goal for Carlie Wagner was to earn a medal in last weekend’s state meet at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Mission accomplished.
Wagner, who recently completed her freshman year at NRHEG, cleared 5 feet, 4 inches on Friday to earn fifth place in the state in Class A.
“It was exciting just to be up there,” said Wagner. “It was very exciting to go up there and get fifth. There was a lot of competition though.”
“For a freshman, going up there, it was a very successful trip,” said Ferber. “We’re really pleased with a fifth-place finish. Our No. 1 goal going there was to earn a spot on the medals stand. She was ecstatic to get there.”
Wagner started the competition cleanly clearing 4-8 and 5 feet. She missed once at 5-2, but made it on her second try. Eleven jumpers remained at that point. Wagner cleared 5-4 on her second attempt, one of only six girls to make the height, and assured herself a spot on the medals stand. Wagner nearly made it at 5-5, rolling the bar off on her second attempt, according to Ferber.
The first and second-place jumpers both cleared 5-8.
Wagner set the NRHEG school record twice this season, going 5-5 indoors at Minnesota State-Mankato and once outdoors.
“I was pretty happy with this year,” said Wagner. “I was jumping higher earlier in the season. My legs got worn down as it went on. But I was pretty happy about it.”
Wagner’s state medal was presented to her by former NRHEG Athletic Director and teacher Mindy Sparby, current vice president of the Minnesota State High School League.
“That was cool,” said Ferber. “That was really neat.”
The state showing capped a standout freshman year for Wagner, who started on the volleyball and basketball teams and was the Gopher Conference’s leading scorer in basketball.
“We’re very proud of Carlie,” said Ferber. “She’s been an absolute stallion for us all season. She really put on a nice show for New Richland. She made us proud.”
