Palic leads track contingent
Seven qualify in weather-delayed regional
News editor
It took four days, two trips to Russell, a side trip to Hays, and more than 600 miles, but the end result was good for seven Marion High athletes who will be competing Friday and Saturday in the state track and field meet in Wichita.
Bad weather Friday in Russell hampered regional meet organizers who had to reschedule field events to Monday.
The sudden change in plans didn’t hamper discus thrower Tyler Palic, who claimed Marion’s only regional championship with a throw of 165 feet, 10 inches.
Palic’s toss was 18 feet farther than any other 3A state qualifier.
Marissa Jacobson also was bumped to Monday, but she came in already having qualified Friday with a third-place finish in 300-meter hurdles. She earned a second state berth by placing fourth in long jump.
For pole vaulter Bryce Shults, Monday was a bump and a drive, as conditions caused meet officials to move the event indoors at Ft. Hays State University. Shults placed third to punch his ticket to Wichita.
Warriors will compete in four more events on the track.
Jack Schneider was rewarded for the work he’s put in rehabbing a knee injury by placing third in the 200. Colin Williams will run in the 1600 and 800, placing third and fourth respectively at Russell.
Schneider and Williams teamed with Tyler Arocha and Zachary Stuchlik to earn a trip to state with a third place finish in the 4x400 relay.
The state track and field meet combining all classes will be Friday and Saturday at Cessna Stadium in Wichita.