Spirit Lake and Okoboji Join Forces at State Track Championship

News Summary

At the 2025 Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships, Spirit Lake and Okoboji high schools achieved a remarkable tie for the Class 2A State Championship title. Over three thrilling days of competition, athletes from both communities delivered impressive performances, showcasing speed, strength, and teamwork. Key highlights included Evan Osler’s remarkable 2nd place finish in the 400m Dash and Spirit Lake’s victory in the 4x200m Relay, culminating in an epic showdown that celebrated the spirit of athletic camaraderie.

Spirit Lake and Okoboji Share the Glory at State Track Championship

In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, the towns of Spirit Lake and Okoboji saw their high school track teams achieve something extraordinary at the 2025 Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships. In a nail-biting finish, the teams from these neighboring communities, only a short 15-minute drive apart, ended up in a stunning tie for the coveted Class 2A State Championship title. Both squads have a rich history in Cross Country and Track and Field, and they certainly proved their mettle over three action-packed days this spring.

A Race to Remember

The excitement began to build as athletes from both schools showcased their skills. Spirit Lake’s Brandon Hughes made a name for himself by clinching a solid 6th place in the 3200m Run, clocking in at 9:37.53. He wasn’t done there, though! Hughes was also a valuable member of the Spirit Lake 4x800m Relay team that crossed the finish line in impressive time, earning a 4th place with a time of 8:01.66.

The excitement didn’t stop with Spirit Lake’s performances. Okoboji’s standout star, Evan Osler, shone brightly by taking home a 2nd place in the 400m Dash with a swift time of 49.13 seconds. His teammate, Rhyker Wright, wasn’t far behind, securing 4th place just 0.4 seconds after, heads turning as the two competed with fierce determination.

Relay Races and Rivalry

The relay races were the heart of the championship weekend, showcasing camaraderie and competition at its finest. On Friday morning, Okoboji thrilled the crowd by winning the 1600m Medley Relay with a dazzling time of 3:30.03, leaving Spirit Lake in their wake as they grabbed 2nd place.

However, Spirit Lake fought back with an impressive victory in the 4x200m Relay, finishing strong with a time of 1:27.8. This back-and-forth battle between the two schools had fans on the edge of their seats. In another twist of events, Okoboji’s talented athletes Elijah Graves and Jerron Heller gave it their all in the 400m Hurdles, both landing in the top spots as they finished 4th and 5th respectively.

Key Performances that Made the Difference