Lincoln Boys Claim First Class A Team Title Since 1960

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

By the slimmest of margins, the Lincoln High boys track and field team won its first state title in more than 50 years on Saturday at Burke Stadium in Omaha.

Led by junior Darius Luff’s two wins in the hurdles 110 (14.08) and 300 (38.73), Lincoln edged past Lincoln Southwest, 76 points to 75.5, to win the program’s first Class A crown since 1960.

Mayson Conner of York, the New Balance Nationals Indoor high jump champion, won the Class B title with 7-0.25. He has an outdoor best this season of 7-2.25.

Creighton Prep senior Ryan Eastman recorded the fastest distance times of the Class A-D meet, as he won the Class A 1,600 (4:17.71) and 3,200 (9:28.95).

Alex Nelson of Elkhorn South won the Class A 100 (10.63) and 200 (21.52), recording the fastest sprint times of the meet.

Dariauna Lewis of Omaha North won the Class A long jump (18-0.50) and triple jump (39-2.50).

Omaha Marian freshman Lauren Harris won the Class A 200 (25.13) and 400 (57.17).

Freshman Norah Sis of Papillion-La Vista won the Class A high jump crown, clearing 5-8.

Lincoln Southwest senior Caelyn Christiancy won the Class A 300 hurdles (43.96), posting the fastest time of the day.

Beatrice’s Cameron Jurgen, who will play football for Nebraska this coming fall, won the Class B discus (169-3) and shot put (59-3.75) titles.

Syracuse freshman Ellie Wilkinson swept the Class B 1,600 and 3,200.

In Class C action, it was a busy but productive day for Phalen Sanford of Dundy County-Stratton. The senior won the 300 hurdles (38.61), setting a class state record, the 110 hurdles (14.86), the 400 (50.22) and was part of the winning 4x400 relay.

“I hadn’t been running great times all year, but I always perform well down here,” Sanford said in an interview with omaha.com. “I always take about a second off my time.”

Dylan Kautz won his third straight Class C 100 and 200 titles.

Heartland senior Taylor Quiring won the Class C long jump (17-0.50), triple jump (37-10), 800 (2:19.6) and placed second in the 1,600.

In Class D action, Brent Wetovick of Fullerton won the 800 (1:56.48), setting a meet record in the event. He also added a gold medal in the 400 (50.64).

RESULTS - CLASS A | CLASS B | CLASS C

Team Champions
Class A -- Lincoln High 76 points; Lincoln Southwest girls 105
Class B -- Beatrice boys 55; Syracuse girls72
Class C -- Hartington-Newcastle boys 52; Aquinas Catholic girls 67
Class D -- Axtell boys 65 points; Giltner girls 89.5