HURON – It was a record-setting day for Aberdeen Central’s Sam Rohlfs on Friday, while other Golden Eagles and Northwestern athletes also had big days during the Huron Invitational track and field meet.

Rohlfs set a new state record with a leap of 24-feet, 3/4-inch in the long jump, erasing the old mark of 23-11 1/2 set by Hunter Merkley of Sioux Falls Lincoln in 2019.

“Clearly Sam was a highlight of the day with breaking the all-time state long jump record,” said Central boys’ coach Greg Murley. “We had a great day for our first outdoor meet. Winning eight of the 20 events is a great starting point for us.”

Rohlfs accounted for half of those wins, also claiming the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the triple jump. Aiden Heimann also had a huge day, winning the 110-meter high hurdles, the 300-meter intermediate hurdles and running the opening leg on the first place 1,600-meter relay. Other members of that squad were Gabe Johnson, Carter Dingman and Drew Salfrank.

Central’s other win on the day came from Josh Martin in the 1,600-meter run. Martin was also second in the 800-meter run. The Golden Eagles also had a strong showing in the javelin where Chanden Nieman was second and Tayden Brownson third.

“We look forward to continued progress,” Murley said.

On the girls’ side, Northwestern’s Jessica Boekelheide won the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash, while Ella Boekelheide won the 1,600-meter run and was second in the 800-meter run.

Central received first place finishes from Taryn Hermansen in the shot put and Ciara Frank in the high jump.

The Golden Eagles also won the sprint medley relay. Team members were Claire Schaunaman, Melissa Sandquist, Lauren Joosten and Kiana Joerger.

Other top finishers for Central were Sadie Struble who was second in the 300 hurdles, and Grace Kuch who was second in the discus and third in the javelin.

“It was a good chance to go out and compete and that’s what we did,” said Central girls’ coach Jim Appl. “Over half the team set PRs in one or more individual events and what more could I ask for as a coach? It was our first outdoor meet and kids improved from indoors.”

Central will split up its squad on Tuesday with some athletes competing in Groton while another group will be heading to Mitchell.

For complete meet results, click on the following link:

https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/454994/results/all