News Summary

In South Dakota, coaches and athletes are being recognized for their remarkable achievements in track and field. Notable coaches like Stephanie McCord and Matt Maxon received honors for their leadership, while athletes from various schools excelled in state championships, including podium finishes and record-breaking performances. The South Dakota High School Coaches Association also acknowledged All-American selections, showcasing the state’s talent and dedication in the sport. These accomplishments exemplify hard work and inspire future generations in athletics.

Exciting Achievements for South Dakota Coaches and Athletes in Track and Field

Sizzling temperatures of achievement are rolling across South Dakota, where coaches and athletes are soaking in some well-deserved recognition for their phenomenal work in track and field! It’s time to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and outstanding performances showcased by these talented individuals.

Coaching Stars Shine Bright

First up, let’s take a moment to applaud some exceptional coaches who have made waves this year. Stephanie McCord from Kimball/White Lake snagged the title of Class B head coach of the year in Area 3. This honor comes hot on the heels of her earlier recognition as the state’s girls cross-country coach of the year, where her team clinched the Class B state team championship. This triumph marked the third championship win for Kimball/White Lake in just five seasons—now that’s what we call consistency!

Another standout, Matt Maxon from Platte-Geddes, has been named the Class A head coach of the year in Area 3, proving that he has a magic touch when it comes to training top-notch athletes. Meanwhile, Ken Bruckner from Scotland/Menno was awarded the Class A assistant coach of the year, which highlights the vital role that supportive coaching plays in the success of student-athletes.

Powerful Performances on the Track

Speaking of athletes, let’s dive into the impressive performances that captured the spotlight during the spring track season. The Kimball/White Lake athletes displayed their prowess by ending up on the podium in an astonishing ten events at the state track and field championships. Their girls’ team finished tied for fifth place in the team standings, showcasing strong talent with two runner-up finishes and one third-place result in long-distance races. Definitely a commendable effort!

On to the Platte-Geddes boys team! They secured a respectable 15th place ranking in Class A, garnering three podium finishes in sprint races. It’s clear that this team is sprinting their way up the ranks!

Meanwhile, the girls’ team from Scotland/Menno made history in their first year as a co-op, finishing eighth in the team standings, thanks in large part to Trinity Bietz’s remarkable double championship in throwing events. What an inspiring way to kick off a new chapter!

National Recognition for Track and Field

As if that wasn’t enough, the South Dakota High School Coaches Association has also recognized selections for the National High School Coaches Association All-American teams. Both boys and girls track and field saw remarkable selections with two All-American and two honorable mention recognitions each.

Landon Dulany from Brandon Valley shone brightest among the boys, clinching the title of boys All-American after winning the 100 and 200 meters and setting a state meet record in the 200. What a record-breaking moment! His teammates also had their moments of glory, as Brandon Valley’s boys team set two meet records while finishing as runners-up in the Class AA boys team standings.

Another standout, Kincade Lehman from Custer, also earned his All-American recognition by snagging titles in the Class A long jump and triple jump, setting a new record in the triple jump. Talk about flying high!

Girls Showcasing Stellar Talents

The girls did not lag behind, with Libby Castelli from Sioux Falls O’Gorman earning her All-American spot after an impressive performance in the Class AA 800, 1,600, and 3,200 meters, where she set a meet record in the 3,200 meters. Not to be outdone, Reagan O’Neill from Bennett County shined in the Class B state championship, winning the 100 and 200 meters as well as setting a meet record in the long jump.

Honorable mentions in the girls’ category included Brianna Reilly from Harrisburg and Peyson O’Neill from Bennett County, proving that there’s a wealth of talent blossoming in South Dakota.

With all these wonderful achievements, it’s safe to say that South Dakota coaches and athletes are not just competing—they are thriving and inspiring future generations every day. Keep an eye on these rising stars!

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