BROKEN BOW, NE- Area track and field athletes turned in a series of standout performances in a loaded meet featuring teams from across central Nebraska, with multiple event wins, personal bests, and top-three finishes highlighting the day.
On the boys side, Cozad’s sprint dominance set the tone early. Bryson Snider swept both the 100 and 200 meters, clocking winning times of 11.16 and 22.87 seconds, while teammate Olliver Davis added a runner-up finish in the 200. Cozad also captured the 4×100 relay title, posting a winning time of 43.02 seconds.
Gothenburg made its mark in the distance and relay events. Bryson Neels won the 800 meters in 1:57.50, while Tyler Hetz delivered a strong distance double, finishing second in both the 1600 and 3200. Gothenburg also claimed gold in the 4×400 relay with a time of 3:25.69.
Broken Bow saw success in the middle distances, led by Kale Kulhanek, who placed third in the 400 meters with a personal-best 52.24 seconds. The Indians also picked up a fourth-place finish in discus from Andrew Ellis at 152 feet, 9 inches, along with a fourth-place showing in shot put.
Kearney Catholic was competitive throughout, highlighted by Atreyu May, who finished runner-up in the 100 meters and added a top-five finish in the 400. The Stars also saw Trevor Ryan place fifth in the 1600 and Daniel Vanderbeek take second in discus with a throw of 159 feet, 2 inches.
In the hurdles, Gothenburg’s Callen Johnson captured the 300-meter hurdles title in 40.68 seconds, while teammate Evan Johnson added a runner-up finish in the 110 hurdles.
Field events were dominated by Cozad, with Chayden Hoffmaster winning the long jump at 23 feet, 4-and-a-half inches, and Gage Strauss clearing 6-foot-2 to take the high jump title.
On the girls side, Kearney Catholic’s Hazel Haarberg was one of the top performers of the meet, sweeping the 100 and 200 meters with times of 12.10 and 24.51 seconds. She also added a runner-up finish in the long jump. Her performance in the 100 meter set a new meet record.
Broken Bow’s girls delivered one of the top relay performances of the day, winning the 4×800 relay in 10:11.56. Halle Quinn also placed fourth individually in the 800 meters, leading a strong showing in distance events.
Gothenburg found success across multiple disciplines, including a second-place finish in the 4×800 relay and a strong performance from Scout Bell, who finished second in the 3200 and third in the 1600.
In field events, Gothenburg’s Halsey Thomalla placed second in the shot put, while Kearney Catholic’s Alyssa Onnen cleared 11 feet to win the pole vault.
Overall, the meet showcased depth across the region, with Cozad and Gothenburg leading the way on the boys side, while Kearney Catholic and Broken Bow highlighted the girls competition with multiple event wins and podium finishes.
