Section 1AA high jump champion
Sam Hanson has had a book end type of season. Early on, the senior high jumper cleared 6-7 to set a new school record. Then injury reared its ugly head and caused his numbers to go down and his ability to even compete diminish.
But two weeks ago, Hanson started to return to form by winning the Missota Conference title. Saturday he made it two in a row by winning the Section 1AA crown and a trip to the state meet with a leap of 6-4.
Hanson's 10 points accounted for the lion's share of his team's total of 26 as the Tigers finished 10th in a 15-team field at the meet held at Lakeville South.
Rosemount ran away with the team title with 178 points. Owatonna finished a disatnt second at 83, followed by Faribault 79, Rochester Mayo 68, Lakeville South 65, Red Wing 42, Lakeville North 41, Rochester Century 34.5, Albert Lea 27, Farmington 26, Winona 21, Northfield 18, Rochester John Marshall 12, Hastings 4.5, Austin 2
"We had a great section when looking at personal achievements," coach Brian Helmstetter said. "I was happy with how many of our guys made the finals and earned personal bests.
"For our younger guys competing this was great experience. They saw they could compete and what a few years of hard work will get them if they stay dedicated year round."
Tyler Grubb scored points in two events in his final meet for the Tigers, placing fifth in the 200-meter dash and seventh in the 100-meter dash.
"Tyler had a great career for us," Helmstetter said, "even though injuries plagued him this season."
Senior thrower John Schimmel threw the shot a career-best 51-8.25 to place seventh and Zach Wyatt finished in a three-way tie for seventh in the high jump.
"Jon would have won a couple of other AA sections in the state with that throw," Helmstetter said of Schimmel's effort.
Farmington netted points in three relays with the 4x400 team of Wyatt, Tyler Lerbkaken, Tanner Grubb and Tyler Grubb scoring a fifth place finish.
The 4x100 quartet of Jack Erickson, Charlie Wicks, Alex Chadwick and Mason Auge took eighth as did the the 4x200 foursome of Tommy Weigel, Auge, Erickson and Wicks.
Hanson will compete at this weekend's Class AA State Championships at Hamline University in St. Paul.
