By JIM LUTGENS
Sports Editor
The NRHEG High School track and field teams not only won gold medals and qualified individuals for state, they made school history in the process.
The Panthers broke two school records while advancing four athletes to state in a stellar showing at the Section 2A meet at Mankato West Saturday, June 3.
"What a fantastic performance!" said NRHEG coach Duey Ferber.
Evelyn Nydegger advanced to state in both hurdle races, taking second in the 100 highs in 16.75 seconds and second in the 300 intermediates in 48.6.
"What a great day for Evelyn, qualifying for state in both hurdle events," said Ferber. Quinn VanMaldeghem captured first place in the 800 meters in a school-record time of 2:24.89, earning her a trip to state. "Quinn ran a fantastic second lap, passing two girls to take the section championship," said Ferber.
Two NRHEG boys advanced to state. Will Tuttle won the 300 intermediate hurdles in 41.86, placing second in the 110 high hurdles in a school-record 15.16, breaking Brady Agrimson's school record from 2019.
Lucas Hanna was second in the discus with a throw of 143-7, earning him a spot at state.
"Will was fantastic in both hurdles today, breaking a school record and winning the section championship in the 300 hurdles handily," said Ferber. "Lucas was having a tough time getting a throw in bounds, but piped a 143-7 throw to place second."
The NRHEG girls finished fifth as a team with 45 points.
Lauren Crowell fell just one place short of state, taking third in the discus at an even 108 feet. Anika Ladlie was fourth in the high jump at 4-10, VanMaldeghem fifth in the 1600 in 5:41.94. Josie Strom, Holly Bartness, Chloe Riewer and Paige Johnson were sixth in the 4x100 relay. Nydegger, Kiera Lenort, Sierra Misgen and VanMaldeghem were eighth in the 4x400 and Riewer was eighth in the long jump.
"Lauren was three feet short of making it to state, but threw very well," said Ferber.
The NRHEG boys were sixth among 24 teams with 35 points.
Placing were Aidan Deyle, 4th, 100, 11.69; Sawyer Prigge, 5th, high jump, 5-8.
The state meet runs Thursday through Saturday at St. Michael-Albertville High School.
Nydegger is scheduled to run in the preliminaries Thursday at 3:30 and 5:26 while Tuttle runs at 3:42 and 5:36. VanMaldeghem's 800 preliminary is at 5:46 Thursday.
Friday's schedule: girls' 100 hurdles final, 3:30; boys' 110 hurdles final, 4:38; Class A boys' discus, 4:45; girls' 300 hurdles final, 6:15; boys' 300 hurdles final, 6:24; Class A girls' 800 final, 6:29.