Due to activity scheduling conflicts, Boone Central/Newman Grove had just 12 athletes attend the previously-postponed Blue Devil Invite Thursday at Wayne.
Those valiant Cardinals left their mark, however, with a number of outstanding individual efforts, including three gold-medal performances.
Although the shorthanded BC/NG teams were well back in the team standings – the Lady Cardinals finishing 4th and the BC/NG boys 6th – Coach Kris Pestel was pleased with the day.
“With only taking seven girls and five boys to the meet, our kids did a fantastic job!” Pestel exclaimed. “With the weather simply not cooperating, our kids warmed up well and allowed themselves to compete to the best of their ability.
“They represented Boone Central/Newman Grove well and the coaches are so proud of them!”
Jordan Stopak produced Cardinal highlights with a pair of event victories at Wayne. The Boone Central freshman took gold in the 1600 meter run (5:53.62) and 3200 meter run (12:41.43). Jon Merten claimed BC/NG’s other gold medal with a 143’7 effort in the discus.
Sophomore Lauren Hedlund battled to runner-up places in the 200 and 400 meter dashes, finished 3rd in the 100 meter dash, and was part of BC/NG’s runner-up 4×400 meter relay. Freshmen Marysa Duerksen, Autumn Simons and Stopak also ran in the 4×400. Duerksen added 3rd place finishes in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles and placed 4th in the 100 meter dash. Simons took 3rd in the 400 meter dash and 4th in the 800 meter run.
In the boys competition, Card frosh Wyatt Nissen placed 3rd in the 400 meter dash and 6th in the 100 meter dash.
Boone Central/Newman Grove is scheduled to continue its 2018 track and field season Friday at the Central City Invitational (1 p.m.).
Complete results in Print & Online editions of Albion News
