Our top 10 countdown of the best sports stories in Southeast Iowa continues for another week and today we look at number five on our list. This countdown from the 2020-21 academic year includes area schools of Columbus, Highland, Lone Tree, Winfield-Mt. Union, WACO, Keota, and Sigourney. The fifth best story takes us to the track with numerous athletes finishing the spring in Des Moines. 

With no athletes getting to experience the state track and field meet in 2020 due to the pandemic, there was plenty of making up to do in May and all of these schools were represented at the Blue Oval in 2021. Columbus Community had six boys events run that included Freddy Vergara in the 3200m, Isaac Acosta in 1600m, Kaden Amigon in 200m, Triston Miller in 110m high hurdles, Mason Hodges in the discus, and the 4x100m relay. Michelle Diaz on the girls’ side was the only athlete amongst these schools that received a medal, as her 36’8.75’’ heave in the shot put was good enough for eighth place. Highland qualified in five different relays with the boys and girls 4×100 and 4×200 as well as the girls 4x400m relay team. Sarah Burton just missed out on a medal placing 11th in the shot put. Connor Grinstead competed in the 200m and Mackenzie McFarland in the 100m. Winfield-Mt. Union was also busy throughout the three day event with Dane Sweezer running in the 110m hurdles and 400m hurdles, Cam Buffington in the long jump, Jobey Malone in the shot put, and the girls shuttle hurdle relay. Other individuals that hit the infamous blue track included Keota’s Brady Duwa in the long jump and Wyatt Sieren in the 400m, Lone Tree’s boys shuttle hurdle relay, Sigourney’ Mason Moore in the 3200m and 1600m, Kaylee Weber representing the Savage girls in the shot put, WACO’s Braden Spain in the high jump, and teammate Simeon Reichenbach in the 110m high hurdles. In total, 37 athletes from these seven schools competed at state. 

Check back in tomorrow for number four on our countdown when we look at WMU girls athletics.