Messenger photo by Britt Kudla: Manson Northwest Webster’s Alyssa Richman runs on Saturday at the co-ed state track and field meet in Des Moines. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net
DES MOINES — Alyssa Richman represented the Manson Northwest Webster track and field program for one final time on the state’s biggest stage here Saturday.
And just as she has done so many times before, Richman delivered a medal-winning performance.
The Cougar senior placed third in a new personal record 4:39.66 in the Class 2A 1,500-meter run at the state track and field meet inside Drake Stadium. The effort earned Richman the seventh Top-10 state finish of her decorated career.
“This weekend was one to remember,” said Richman, who will continue her running career at Augustana University in the fall. “Walking away from it all makes me incredibly thankful.
“Achieving lifetime bests at the state meet is the dream. I was lucky enough to do that three different times.”
After a cross country season plagued by health issues, Richman made it a priority to put all her focus on being in the best shape possible for track.
“I knew I wanted to go out with a bang,” she said. “That meant making sacrifices when it wasn’t always the easiest thing to do. But it was worth it.”
Richman, who earlier in the meet finished second in the 3,000, placed in the Top-6 of the two longest distance events each of the past three seasons at state. Combined with her four appearances at the state cross country meet, she competed in 15 state races, placing in the Top-10 on 10 different occasions.
“As I reflect on not only this weekend but my entire career, I’ve come to realize that it takes a village,” Richman said. “I’m beyond thankful for my parents, family, friends and teammates. I am so grateful to have worked with some phenomenal coaches throughout my career.
“Also, the support that Manson provides is second to none. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Manson Northwest Webster finished in a tie for 11th overall in the girls team standings, making them the second-highest placing Twin Lakes Conference program behind Emmetsburg, who was sixth overall.
The E-Hawks were led by Rachel Schany, as the junior added to her performances with a runner-up showing in the 800. Schany, who won the high jump and was third in the 400, clocked a personal record 2:14.49 to finish only behind Tipton star Noelle Steines.
Redge Potts of South Central Calhoun was 24th in the Class 2A 1,600, clocking a time of 4:52.87.
Class 1A: Maddie Fehr earns another medal
West Bend-Mallard junior Maddie Fehr scored her second medal in the 100-meter dash, placing eighth. Fehr, who was seventh a year ago, clocked a time of 12.70.
Fehr’s classmate, Tyra Schupbach, improved one spot in the 1,500 from last season, placing 10th. She registered a new personal record in 4:53.51, adding to her third in the 3,000 from earlier in the meet.
Bishop Garrigan’s sprint medley relay of Emmi Bartolo, Ava Roether, Zoe Montag and Madelyn Tigges recorded a new season best in 1:53.65 to finish 10th overall in 1A.
For Newell-Fonda, Mareni Brabec and Danika Meyer competed in the 1,500. Brabec, a junior, was 14th in a new personal best of 5:01.15 while Meyer, a freshman, finished 22nd in 5:16.11.
Class 3A: Algona adds to medal haul
Evan Allie and William Weichert showed why they are two of the fastest athletes in 3A, as both scored individual medals in the sprint events.
Allie, a junior, was fourth in the 200 in 21.76 a year after placing eighth in the same race. Weichert, also a junior, clocked a 10.89 to place seventh in the 100.
The two paired up with Tate Garman and Tyler Bradley to finish sixth in the 4×100 in a time of 42.89.
Gavin Weber picked up another medal for the junior class at Algona, placing sixth in the 800 in a new personal best 1:56.81. He was 20th last year in the race.
In the girls 800, Macy Knapp placed 17th, as the junior clocked a time of 2:23.57.
The Bulldogs were ninth overall in the team standings.
Humboldt’s Brynn Malo was 24th in the 800, finishing in 2:28.01 after taking a tough fall during the race.