O-C Relay Teams Highlight Huge Day Two At State

The theme of the day for Clearwater-Orchard at the State Track and Field Championships in Omaha was redemption.

After being upset at districts in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays, the Cyclones were able to edge their way into the state meet as wildcards. Both teams proved they more than deserved to be there. 

The 4x100 team of Kylie Thiele, Katie Stearns, Skye Schroeder and Kinzly Macke nearly took home gold on the day. After taking first in their heat with a wild finish down the stretch by Macke, they waited the results of heat two. They ended up being edged out by .8 seconds to slide to third place and take home bronze.

The final race of the day was the 4x400 meter relay. The team of Macke, JoCee Johnston, Alexis Pokorny and Thiele flew around the track, with Thiele making a big push on the final lap, edging out Stuart to give the Cyclones seventh with a time of 4:16.1.

Thiele was able to show off her skills in more than just the relays on Saturday as well. The senior was a perfect 4-for-4 in medalling in her events, thanks to and incredible 800 meter run time of 2:24.1 that gave her third. In the 400 meter run, she stayed with the pack throughout the race, finishing sixth with a time of 1:00.3.

Vanessa Carpenter was the only other Cyclone to take part in the competition on Saturday. The first-time qualifier was unable to clear the opening height at the pole vault, taking a no mark on the day.