G-H/V boys track team opens 2013 season at Buena Vista indoor meet

The Garner-Hayfield/Ventura boys track team opened the 2013 season with an indoor meet at Buena Vista College at Storm Lake on Saturday, March 16.

“Although it was along day, this was the perfect meet for us.  We were finally on a track, hurdling over real hurdles, and competing in field events,” said Coach Tracy Schmidt.  “Handoffs looked great for early in the season and we saw some great things from athletes.  Today only increased our excitement for the upcoming season.”

Braden Meints had a successful first outing in the high jump, clearing 5’10” for a third place finish.

“Braden had it at 6’, but barely brushed the bar.  He looked very comfortable in his approach and jump and we’re looking for good things from him.”

Coach Schmidt also praised the efforts of Kevin Boehnke in the high jump.  Boehnke finished sixth with a jump of 5’8”.

The 1600 meter run was another exciting event for the Cardinals.  

“It was an exciting race with the Class 3A Cross Country State Champion from Spirit Lake taking the pack out fast,” said Schmidt.  G-H/V ended with a 2-3-4 finish from Joel Toppin, Chase Smith and A.J. Arnold.  Toppin was second with a time of 4:51.80.  Right behind him was Smith, 5:00.08 and Arnold, 5:00.6.

“It has been difficult to get in good workouts, so this race was huge for us to see our depth in the distance races,” said Schmidt.

Other top finishing events included:

•Long Jump:  Ezra Marroquin, 6th, 18’9”

•Shuttle Hurdle:  Brad Nedved, Alex Van Gerpen, Keith Schwickerath, Seth Williams, 4th, 38.67

•4x800:  Chase Smith, A.J. Arnold, Jeff O’Brien, Joel Toppin, 5th, 9:19.44

•4x200:  Adam Monson, Nedved, Williams, Van Gerpen 5th, 1:40.70

•400 meter dash:  Marroquin, 5th, 56.53