Pictured above are the “MVP Field and Running Events” from this year’s track and field team, Mya Lindemann (left), Lauryn Ankeny, Maeson Tank, Jayda Kolstoe and McKenzie Luetmer.

The Minnewaska Area track and field teams held their season-ending banquet recently, announcing the various team and postseason honors.

The Lakers had another great season of track in 2023, sending seven athletes to the state meet in nine different events.  Earning state trips for the boys team was Maeson Tank (400 and 800), while qualifying to state from the girls team were McKenzie Luetmer, Lauryn Ankeny, Jayda Kolstoe, Olivia Danielson, Brooke Kolstoe and Teagan Stark.

Luetmer became the first Minnewaska Area athlete to qualify to state in four events (triple jump, 400, 1600 relay and 3200 relay), while Ankeny earned three state berths (300 hurdles, 1600 relay and 3200 relay), Jayda Kolstoe qualified in the shot put and discus, Olivia Danielson ran in two relays at state and Brooke Kolstoe (3200 relay) and Teagan Stark (1600 relay) both compete in one.

Ankeny had the top finish for the Lakers, placing third in the 300 meter hurdles with a time of 46.46, which was just off her school-record time she set in the prelims, while Tank placed seventh in the 400 meter dash (51.39) and the 1600 meter relay, Jayda Kolstoe in the shot put and Luetmer in the 400 all finished ninth.

The girls team placed first at four events this year; the Minnewaska Invitational, Sauk Centre Invitational, Section true-team meet and WCC Meet, while the boys team was second at three meets; the Sauk Centre, Melrose and Minnewaska Area Invitationals.

Earning Academic All-Conference on the teams, coached by Jennifer Johnsrud and Zach Traphagen, were Owen Meulebroeck, Nick Ankeny, Jayce Kovarik, Carter Meyer, Zach Palmer, Ian Mills, Kaiden Harvey, Autumn Hess, Kendra Wilmes, Alia Randt, Piper Citrowske-Lee, Kiearra Wilmes, Lauryn Ankeny, Brooklyn Meyer, McKenzie Luetmer, Makena Thoen, McKenna Uhde, Jayda Kolstoe, Elsey Hagen, Dacia Fleury, Miranda Longtin, Aubrey Stark, Brooke Kolstoe, Serena Mellgren, Phemie Oeltjen, Lyla Stadtherr, Teagan Stark and Olivia Danielson.

In addition, the team had 21 individuals earning All-Conference or honorable mention.

Check out more photos in our photo gallery!