Larson crowned champion; other G-H/V events also do well

The State Track Meet is the perfect time to peak, and that’s exactly what the Garner-Hayfield/Ventura girls track team did.  They represented their school very well at State, bringing home new school records and an 11th place team finish.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the girls,” said Coach Dyan Childress.  “They carried themselves with grace and character and competed at their peak performances.”

Dasi Larson had the perfect follow-up to her Drake Relays championship, with a repeat performance at the State Track Meet.  Larson won the shot put event with a throw of 41’7.5” to claim her second championship of the season.

Emily Mathews also had a very successful weekend in Des Moines.  Mathews placed fifth in the long jump with a leap of 16’7” and she was second in the 100 hurdles, setting a new school record at 15.43.  Mathews was edged by senior Chaley Rath from Treynor, who won the event in 15.38.

“Emily was truly happy for Chaley, but she is hungry to get back on the blue track next year to see what she can do,” said Childress.

Mathews also anchored the shuttle hurdle relay consisting of Stacy Hackenmiller, Lizzy Henely, and Sola Stephenson.  The team also set a new school record in the prelims with a time of 1:09.57.  The team placed eighth in the finals with a time of 1:10.98.

The sprint medley relay team of Stephenson, Tiara Van Gerpen, Taylor Vossberg and Maddie Tusha placed 20th with a time of 1:56.16.

Tusha also competed individually in the 400 meter dash.  She placed 13th with a time of 61.85.

The team will be strong next year, only saying good-bye to one senior, Lizzy Henely.

“Lizzy will be greatly missed.  She has been an integral part of the sprinting and hurdle races.  I was so proud to see her end her high school track career in the finals of the shuttle hurdle relay,” said Childress.