The South O’Brien boys didn’t bring home any medals from Des Moines, but will always have the memories. The Wolverines competed in five events in Class 1A at the State Track & Field Championships held May 18-20 at Drake Stadium.
Willie Conley came the closest to receiving an award. The junior won his Heat 2 of the 400 meter hurdles, but his time of 55.73 was surpassed by all eight runners in Heat 3. That left him just one place outside the medals.
The shuttle hurdle relay group placed 14th in prelims but only the top eight finishers qualify for the finals. Combining for a time of 1:04.22 were senior Grant Wagner, freshman Brennan Billick, Conley and senior Boston Riedemann.
There was yet another hurdle event that included a Wolverine competitor. Riedemann ran a personal best time of 15.79 in the prelims, placing 19th.
South O’Brien also qualified for the sprint medley relay. Running the 100 meter legs were senior Jacob Van Lith and junior Cole Tjossem. Carrying the baton the 200 meter distance was senior Hudson Oolman. Conley then covered the final 400 meters, bringing the relay home in a time of 1:39.25. That was good for a 21st-place finish.
Off the track, Conley took part in the high jump. He was one of eight boys competitors in 1A who failed to clear the opening height of 5’ 11”.
South O’Brien Results
400 Meter Hurdles: Willie Conley, 9th, 55.73.
110 Meter Hurdles: Boston Riedemann, 19th, 15.79.
High Jump: Conley, no height.
Shuttle Hurdle Relay: (Grant Wagner, Brennan Billick, Conley, Riedemann) 14th, 1:04.22.
Sprint Medley Relay: (Jacob Van Lith, Cole Tjossem, Hudson Oolman, Conley) 21st, 1:39.25.