Neligh-Oakdale Competes In Omaha

Four Neligh-Oakdale athletes competed in the Nebraska State Track and Field Championships at Omaha Burke Stadium on Friday.

Senior Bailey Frey made her third state track appearance, while junior Cade Wilkinson, sophomore Emma Bixler and freshman Julien Hearn qualified for the first time.

Frey was fifth to cross the finish line in her heat with a time of 50.25 seconds in the 300 hurdles.

Wilkinson sprinted to 7th place in his heat in the 200 meter dash a with time of 23.73 seconds.

Bixler broke a 34-year-old school record in the 3200 meter run with a 12:31.71 and finished 14th overall in Class C.

Hearn was one of only three freshman in Class C to qualify for the boys state high jump. He went out at 5-10.

Coach Rick Eickholt said each of the athletes continued to improve throughout the season. All four of them peaked at the right time with everyone turning in top performances at the district meet.

By setting a school record at districts, the coach said Frey “probably ran the race of her life,” and ended her high school track career on a high note. As for the others, they are all underclassmen, and he has hopes for them all to make a return trip to state.

“We always say that the first time you go down and qualify that you experience it, and when you come back the next time, you’re ready to compete for a medal,” he said.