Titans find success at State

The Tea Area High School track and field team competed in the 2024 State A Track and Field Meet in Sioux Falls this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Several athletes found individual success by making the podium at State and several relay teams also finished in the top eight.

Sydney Stahlecker (pictured at left competing at State) had an outstanding meet, placing fifth in the 200 meter dash finals with a time of 26.92 seconds and fifth in the 400 meter dash finals with a time of 1:00.23. 

Stahlecker was also a member of the 4x400 meter relay team that captured State runner up honors with their time of 4:02.41 among the competitive field. Other team members included Jayna VanLaecken, Brooklyn Reiners, and Haidyn West. 

The girls’ 4x800 meter relay team of Grace Bialas, VanLaecken, West, and Jaycie Babb captured fourth place with a time of 9:55.10. The girls’ Sprint Medley team of Mya Neuhardt, Miah Weber, Lainey Haines, and Bialas took seventh place at State with their time of 4:24.49. 

For the boys, individual honors were earned by Tyler Rhead and Matthew Rogers. Rhead earned fifth place in the 100 meter dash finals with a time of 11.35 seconds

Rogers took sixth place in the 110 meter hurdle finals with a time of 15.61 seconds. 

Rhead was also a member of the boys’ 4x100 meter relay team that captured fifth place at State. Rhead was joined by Carter Christensen, Kayden Williamson and Ethan Vis to clock a time of 44.21 in the event, taking fifth. 

The foursome teamed up in the 4x200 meter relay and took sixth place with a time of 1:32.24. 

The boys’ 4x800 meter relay team of Peyton Sieber, Alex Kayser, Jack Campbell and Holden Helen took eighth place with their time of 8:26.97. 

Other Titans competing at State included Mya Neuhardt and Miah Weber in the 100 and 200 meter dash; Juv Banza and Carter Christensen in the 200 meter dash; Brooklyn Reiners in the 300 meter hurdles; Chase DDeBoer in the 400 meter dash; Jayna VanLaecken and Haidyn West in the 400 meter dash; Holden Helen in the 800 meter run; Jaycie Babb and Grace Bialas in the 800 meter run; Jaycie Babb in the 1600 meter run; Jack Campbell and Reid Hammerquist in the 3200 meter run; Brenner Konrad in the discus, shot put, and javelin throws; Emily Front in the discus throw; Reese Hammerquist in the high jump and triple jump; Carson Hall, Sam Bullis, Cameron Wiens, and Daphne Decker in the pole vault; and Mara Grant in the shot put. 

Rhead, Williamson, Sieber, and Campbell also competed in the Sprint Medley relay. Heidi Hofer, Haines, Weber, and Neuhardt also competed in the 4x200 meter relay and Jacob Mueller, Sieber, Helen and DeBoer also competed in the 4x400 meter relay.