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Final leaders reflected in eventual state champs

Aberdeen Roncalli’s Jayden Munroe, right, runs with Tri-State’s Dominick Anderson, left, as they compete in the class B 1600 meter relay prelim Friday at the State Track and Field Meet at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. Photo by John Davis taken 5/27/2022

SIOUX FALLS – The curtain closed on this year’s first ever full three-day track and field meet on Saturday afternoon at Howard Wood Field. This year’s meet featured a lot of twists and turns and numerous state records.

Last week a story attempted to project this year’s eventual state team champions based solely on numbers from the final statewide leaders.

Of course, there is no way to predict injuries, dropped batons and disqualifications. There were several of each that definitely impacted the final team points.

Here is a look at what was written last week in italicized type, followed by what actually took place:

Class AA Boys

PROJECTED: This is shaping up to be a great race.

On paper, Brandon Valley is projected to score 96 points, while Rapid City Stevens is projected to score 95. Obviously, this is way too close to call. Aberdeen Central is lurking in the wings and is slated to score 84 points.

Should this team title come down to the final event of the meet, Brandon Valley owns the fastest time in the state in the 1,600-meter relay.

REALITY: Harrisburg edged a tight pack at the top with 94 points. Rapid City Stevens was second with 90, Brandon Valley had 89 and Aberdeen Central 82.

It should be noted that Stevens was disqualified for a false start in the final race of the meet, Brandon Valley had two runners who were on the verge of victory get injured shortly before the finish line, and Aberdeen Central standout Sam Rohlfs was unable to fully compete in the sprint finals after reinjuring his hamstring in the jumps.

Class AA Girls

PROJECTED: While there are several contenders here, the numbers point to Sioux Falls Lincoln winning the team crown.

The Patriots are projected to score a whopping 138 points, more than any other team in any of the classes.

Brandon Valley and O’Gorman look to have an interesting battle ahead for runner-up. Brandon Valley is projected to score 115, while the Knights are slated for 114.

REALITY: O’Gorman racked up 119.5 points to claim the team championship. The Knights finished with the MVP track and MVP field athletes.

Brandon Valley finished second with 106 points, while Sioux Falls Lincoln took third with 93 points.

Class A Boys

PROJECTED: No surprise here, as Sioux Falls Christian looks to continue its dominance in this division.

The Chargers are very solid, especially in the relays, and are scheduled to score 124 points. No other team is within striking distance. Milbank Area is firmly in second with a projected 83 points.

REALITY: Sioux Falls Christian dominated the competition and scored 125 points.

Milbank Area finished a distant second with 66 points, followed by Custer in third with 59.

Class A Girls

PROJECTED: This appears to be a two-team race between Sioux Falls Christian and Custer.

SFC is projected to score 103 points, but don’t overlook the Wildcats, who are scheduled to finish with 98.

Things could get interesting before this team battle is determined.

REALITY: Sioux Falls Christian put together a solid state meet and accumulated 101.5 points to win the team title.

Custer finished second with 83 points, followed by West Central in third with 64.

Class B Boys

PROJECTED: All indications point to Chester Area being a strong favorite here.

The Flyers will likely win multiple events on the way to racking up 98 team points. No other team appears to be on pace to catch them.

On paper Ipswich looks to pose the biggest challenge. The Tigers are projected to score 51 points.

REALITY: Chester Area nearly doubled up the competition on the way to winning the team championship with 86 points.

Ipswich edged Freeman Academy-Marion for second place. The Tigers finished with 45 points, while FAM scored 42.

Class B Girls

PROJECTED: Again, there is a clear favorite in this division.

Colman-Egan has strength in a variety of events and is projected to score 111 points. No other team figures to have enough to challenge the Hawks.

Northwestern is scheduled to score 49 points, while Chester Area is on pace to score 43.

REALITY: Colman-Egan was solid all over the track on the way to scoring 99 points and grabbing the team title. That point total doubled up the rest of the field.

Northwestern claimed second place with 48 points. Potter County finished third with 39.

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