Marion’s Dylan Kraus is top finisher with 2nd in 400

By NICHOLAS KIMBALL and DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Athletes from four Marion County schools picked up medals Saturday at the conclusion of the state track meet at Wichita State University’s Cessna Stadium.

Weather cooperated with the two-day meet.

On the first day there was a slight north breeze; on the second, a stronger south wind.

Marion

Dylan Kraus led the Warriors finishing second place in the 400-meter dash.

Luke Wessel placed third in the 800 and placed eighth in the 1,600.

The Warriors’ boys relay team was fourth in the 100, and Taryn Kraus was seventh in the 300 hurdles.

“We had the kind of weekend that you expect at a state track and field meet,” coach Grant Thierolf said. “Some things go like you want them to go, and some things go in another direction.

“We were able to medal in five of the seven events we took, so that is great.

“Our lone senior at the meet, Jonathan Frese, ran the gutsiest 400 that I have ever seen.”

“We return all but Jonathan for next season and we cannot wait to see the improvement that each athlete will bring to our team in 2025.”

Hillsboro

The Trojan girls relay team lead the board for Hillsboro with a third-place medal in the 800.

Abbigail Williams was fourth in shot put. Addison Jost was fifth in the 800. Quinlyn Funk placed seventh in the 3,200. Emily Gilkey was seventh in the high jump. And Riley Richert placed eighth in the 1,600.

“I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the opportunity,” coach Demetrius Cox said, “to lead such a talented and dedicated group of athletes.

“Reflecting on our recent performance at the state track meet, I am compelled to express my admiration for our team’s hard work and determination, and the exceptional sportsmanship they displayed.”

“To our athletes, coaching staff, parents, and the entire Hillsboro community, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement.

“It is your spirit that fuels our drive and passion for track and field. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building on our successes, learning from our experiences, and continuing to represent our school and community with pride.”

Goessel

Eli Gaeddert led the Bluebirds over the weekend, earning a third place medal in the

3,200. He also was selected to sing the national anthem Friday ahead of the meet.

The Goessel girls relay team was fourth in the 100. Cheyenne Sawyer was fourth in the 100 hurdles. And Aimee Funk placed sixth in the long jump.

Centre

Kaitlynn Bina was the sole athlete from Centre to place, earning eighth in the 1,600 and becoming Centre’s first medalist at the state track meet since 2019.

She set a new personal record by more than 1.3 seconds.

“Though our numbers were small, I appreciate the way our team competed and prepared themselves to improve by their work ethic in practices,” coach Alan Stahlecker said. “The team camaraderie and support of each other was exceptional.

“We graduated seniors and sent a foreign exchange student home, but expect to have three girls and four boys return, along with some incoming freshmen who have been successful in junior high that we hope will continue to develop in high school.”