Schiltz cruises to state; Wagner wonders if she’ll compete
CAREER DAY — The Panthers’ T.J. Schiltz is right on the heels of Waseca’s Shane Streich in the 1600 during Saturday’s Section 2A track and field meet at Mankato West High School. Schiltz advanced to state for the first time in the 1600 and the second time in the 3200. (Star Eagle photo by Chris Schlaak)
By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
It’s a contrast of stories for NRHEG’s 2013 state track and field qualifiers.
One has high hopes of a first state medal.
The other, a defending state champion, has questions of whether she can even compete.
Juniors T.J. Schiltz and Carlie Wagner advanced from last Saturday’s Section 2A meet at Mankato West, though both have differing aspirations for the state meet Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Schiltz advanced in two events, winning the section title in the 3200 meters with a school-record time of 9:55.45. He was right on the heels of Waseca’s Shane Streich in the 1600, finishing second with an excellent time of 4:26.25.’
It will be the second appearance at state in the 3200 for Schiltz. It’s his first time qualifying in the 1600.
“T.J. had a career day in his events,” said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber.
Wagner made it again in the high jump, taking second in the section at 5 feet, 3 inches.
But, she aggravated her knee, making her status for state uncertain.
The section champ and top seed at state cleared 5-4. Wagner went 5-6 to win last year’s state title.
“We hope she is able to jump on Friday,” said Ferber.
The Panther boys had one other section placewinner, Keith Maxon, who was eighth in the discus at 134-3.
“Keith had a PR, but faced some serious competition,” said Ferber.
Mikayla Lindell placed fourth in the throwing events for the girls, tossing the discus 100-3 and heaving the shot 36 feet. Hailey Schuller, Maddie Wagner, Marnie Wagner and Carlie Wagner teamed for sixth in the 4x200 relay in 1:49.73. Emmy Hobbs cleared 8-2 for seven in the high jump.
If she’s able to compete, Wagner will jump in the state meet at 3:30 p.m. Friday.
Schiltz will run in the 3200 finals at 6:27 p.m. Friday. He’s seeded sixth in the event and is seeking redemption after a disappointing showing in last year’s state 3200.
The most anticipated race is the 1600, set for 5:17 p.m. Saturday. Schiltz is seeded fourth behind Streich, last year’s state runner-up, and runners from Foley and St. Cloud Tech, with the top qualifying time 4:21.42.