Panorama, Adair-Casey/Guthrie Center, and West Central Valley high schools qualified a combined 50 entries for this week’s State Track and Field Meet at Drake Stadium in Des Moines. While some of the competitors are first-time qualifiers, many are returning athletes and some qualified in multiple events.

Many of the athletes have set high goals for themselves, including Panorama junior Morgan Johnk. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio what she’s hoping to achieve in her multiple events at state. “For high jump, I’m hoping to place top-three. Then our shuttle, I hope we make it to the finals. Then my open hurdles, I’m really hoping to win that one.”

AC/GC sophomore Kate Crawford qualified in four events, including three individually. However, she says she has more fun with her state-bound distance medley team. “It’s so much more fun going as a team just because they’re always there to support you throughout the whole thing whether you do good or bad. It just really helps the atmosphere stay positive.”

West Central Valley senior Billy Larsen is hoping to make his first and final state meet a memorable one. “(It) means the world that I’m getting the opportunity. All thanks to God. He gave me all my ability, and hopefully I can run that fast at state.”

The entire Raccoon Valley Radio Network wishes all participating athletes the best of luck at the state meet this week. Tune in to the Raccoon Valley Radio Network for all the latest results from Des Moines. To hear more from these athletes, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program.