Linn battled at Saturday’s Class 2 Sectional 1 track meet at New Haven and finished the day with seven athletes headed to state track in four events.

“It was a hot sectional meet for our athletes and fans, but everyone did their best and we were able to get a few to the state meet on Friday and Saturday,” said Coach Robyn Baker. “I am so proud of how everyone performed and tried and throughout the season have been willing to try new events and put themselves out there to compete.”

Zach Dodson earned third in the high jump (3, 1.85m) and the pole vault (3.65m). “Zach knew both events were going to be tough and the competition was very good,” said Baker. “I’m so proud that he stayed level-headed and made adjustments in both to achieve a third-place finish in both. He is determined to get that all-state medal this year, and I feel like he is in a good place to do just that.”

Dodson will compete in the pole vault on Friday at 9:30 a.m., and the high jump at 9:30 on Saturday.

Also qualifying for state was the third-place 3200m relay squad of Annaliese Bowser, Kiana Hostetler, Erika Platt, and Ramsie Tschappler, which posted a time of 10:58.

“They were up for the challenge of getting past sectionals,” said Baker. “The first leg started off a little slow, but Annaliese had one of her best races yet and used some of her javelin frustration to push the team into medal contention. Kiana kept the momentum and got the team to a third-place finish. It will be fun to see them run on Friday at the state meet.”

Linn runs at 11 a.m. on Friday.

Baker was alluding to Bowser’s seventh-place finish (28.9m) in the javelin. “The day started a bit rough with Annaliese in the javelin,” said Baker. “She was coming off of a phenomenal district throw, and we were so excited about her breaking the school record. However, she didn’t quite have the power she needed to finish in the top four to move on to state. Her javelin season has been a memorable one, and we are excited to see her perform at the collegiate level next year.”

Olivia Helmig rounded out state qualifiers with a fourth-place pole vault (2.45m). “Olivia had a very strong desire to make it to the state meet her senior year,” said Baker. “Although she wasn’t incredibly happy with the final vaults, she made it, and will be working hard this week to make a good showing at state. I’m excited for her opportunity.”

Helmig will vault at 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

Autumn Baker didn’t quite make it out in the hurdles, finishing seventh (18.80). “I am so happy she came out for track as a senior,” said Baker. “She gave it everything she had and competed as a true athlete. She will be missed next year on the team.”

Grace Wagner was excited to be at the sectional meet, but her nerves seemed to get the best of her on Saturday as she finished eighth (56.06) in the 100m hurdles. “She didn’t advance to state, but I am confident she learned a lot about hurdle competition and will be back next year ready to go all the way,” said Baker.

Before Hostetler ran the 800m race, Baker discussed the importance of getting out quickly. “She was ready to do that, but unfortunately, being in lane one made it a little difficult and she got boxed into a group of runners,” Coach Baker added. “She did a great job though, finally getting out and pushing her way back to a sixth-place finish (2:39). She will continue to learn how to race that event and be better for it next year.”

Jason Powers rounded out the team with seventh-place finish in the 400m dash (53.93). “He had a great race at districts and came into sectionals knowing it would be against some quick runners from both districts,” Baker noted. “Jason worked hard and ran another great race, but it wasn’t quite enough to get out of the sectional meet. I however couldn’t be more excited for how well he has done this year, and he went out running a great race with great competition.”