SIOUX FALLS – Trevor Heinz set the tone early and had a record-setting start to the Class B State Track and Field Meet at Howard Wood Field on Thursday morning.

The Ipswich senior had a quality jump to take the lead in the long jump and never looked back on the way to winning the event in a personal best and school record mark of 22 feet, 6 and 3/4 inches.

“I’m normally a first or second PR jumper, so those are normally my best two jumps,” Heinz said, “but throughout the season I’ve been practicing a lot and I’ve had some of my best jumps at fourth, fifth or sixth jump, so it gives some leaning room, especially going into finals, legs are a little sore, I could have scratched a jump and got more rest.”

Heinz was highly motivated to win the event after finishing runner-up last season at the state meet.

“I definitely wanted this one,” Heinz said. “A big shout out to my long jump coach Mr. (Jeremy) Loken. He does a great job.”

As Heinz prepared for his final attempt, a partisan Ipswich crowd started clapping in rhythm to spur him on down the runway.

“Definitely, it gives you a lot of motivation. I wouldn’t be where I’m at without the backing that I have,” Heinz said. “As you can see there’s a lot of orange shirts and Ipswich Tigers over there and family, and they’re all here to support me.”

Northwestern’s Ty Boekelheide finished third in the triple jump with a mark of 42 feet, 4 and 1/2 inches. He had to halt his jumping to compete in the sprint medley relay, where the Wildcats also finished third.

“I was very nervous about missing the medley,” Boekelheide said, “but my coach really helped to make sure I was where I needed to be.”

The freshman got off to a bit of a slow start in the triple jump, but got stronger as the competition wore on.

“I was happy with how the competition went,” Boekelheide said. “I was a little worried after my first few jumps weren’t great, but finals went well.”

The Aberdeen Christian girls ran their way into the finals of the 400-meter relay, despite not winning their heat. The Knights had a strong enough time to qualify for the final eight.

“The goal was just to get the baton around the track and get a steady time going into finals,” said relay member Ali Isakson, “so that during finals we can hopefully PR.”

The sophomore said competing at a state meet against elite teams motivates her to run faster.

“It just gets the adrenaline flowing and it really pushes you to do your best,” Isakson said.

Today’s forecast calls for much cooler and windier weather, but Isakson will not be daunted by the conditions

“I just go out and compete,” Isakson said, “and I know the Lord will be with me.”

The Knights received big performances by a pair of jumpers on the day. Dylan Hofer was seventh in the boys’ triple jump, while Maggie Fites finished seventh in the girls’ triple jump.

“An amazing day for our team,” said Christian coach Sam Bjorkman. “We didn’t have a ton going on today, but every individual competitor PRd, including Dylan and Maggie PRing into finals, and Maggie coming from the first flight to place. Really, really fun. Dylan PRd to lock in a place in finals, and then PRd in finals to bump himself up and lock in a place.”

Bjorkman also noted that the 400-meter relay squad accomplished its goal of making the finals on Saturday.

“Couldn’t ask for a better day,” Bjorkman said.

To see complete Class B opening day results, click on the following link:

https://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/meet/545392/teamscores