Three members of the Luverne boys’ track team represented Section 3A at the Minnesota Class A State Track and Field Championships Friday and Saturday.
The Cardinal athletes competed against the state’s best in three different events: the 300-meter hurdles, pole vault and shot put.
The athletes at Hamline University in St. Paul experienced hot and humid conditions that made the already stiff competition even more of a challenge this year.
“The conditions were not the best,” said Luverne coach Craig Nelson. “It was a tough couple of days to compete.”
Cardinal junior Logan Stratton led the Luverne trio by placing seventh and earning three team points in the shot put with a throw of 49-06.
Luverne’s Matthew Hup competed in the pole vault at the state meet.
By clearing 13-0, the LHS junior set a new personal best and placed ninth overall while adding one team point to the Luverne total.
Senior Mitchell Muller participated in the 300-meter hurdles in St. Paul.
Running in the first heat of the prelims, Muller finished in sixth place with a time of 42.37 and did not qualify for the finals.
Nelson, who coached his final high school track meet after 32 seasons, said he was pleased with his athletes’ efforts.
“Considering the extreme heat and competing against the best of the best, I think our kids did real well,” he said.