8 Eagles qualify for state track meet

Robinson claims AHS event win

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Eight Arlington Eagles qualified for the NSAA State Track and Field Championships on Tuesday during the Class B District 2 Meet at Elkhorn High School.
One AHS senior who didn't qualify for the May 17-18 meet in Omaha, however, was Keelianne Green.
The multiple-time state medalist and two-time state champion cross-country runner was injured during field event competition and unable to participate in races. She instead watched from the infield, moving about gingerly on a hurt leg to support her teammates.
“It changed the dynamic of the day,” Arlington coach Tyler Sptiser said. “Kids were hit emotionally right away, but girls stepped up and found ways to go compete without her.”
Leading the way was senior Cadie Robinson, who qualified in the discus with a 123-foot, 10-inch attempt, but also won the shot put with a championship throw covering 40-7.5.
“I've been trying to push 40 (feet) all year,” she said. “So, I finally hit it and it was pretty exciting.”
The Eagle displayed her power in shot put, using sharp movements and a quick release for a top finish.
“Sometimes it comes off the right finger and sometimes it doesn't,” Robinson said, agreeing that it did Tuesday.
Additionally, AHS' Taylor Arp also qualified in the discus with an attempt matching her teammate.
“Our whole group has worked really hard throughout this whole season,” Robinson said.
Two more district standouts in coach Spitser's eyes were Hailey O'Daniel and Kaden Foust. O'Daniel, a sophomore, was fourth in the long jump and set a 7-second personal record in the 1,600-meter run to claim second. She finished the race in 5:22.14.
Foust, meanwhile, earned second in the long jump with a leap of 21-2.75, but also stood out during a 51.68-second 400 dash.
“He was a way-long-shot in the 400 and ending up qualifying second,” Spitser said.
The Eagles' Nolan May also earned a state spot through an individual event, finishing the 3,200 run in 10:14.98. The junior joined Kevin Flesner, Dallin Franzluebbers and Luke Hammang in the 3,200-meter relay race, too. The team finished third in 8:13.66 — an additional qualifier time.
Overall, the Arlington girls took fifth in the B-2 Meet, scoring 32 points. The boys were eighth with 21, while the Elkhorn North boys and Bennington girls won district titles with 99 and 160 points, respectively.

ARLINGTON STATE TRACK QUALIFIERS
Determined Tuesday at Elkhorn High School
Taylor Arp: Discus
Kevin Flesner: 3200-meter relay
Kaden Foust: Long jump, 400 dash
Dallin Franzluebbers: 3200 relay
Luke Hammang: 3200 relay
Nolan May: 3200 relay, 3200 run
Hailey O’Daniel: Long jump, 1600 run
Cadie Robinson: Shot put, discus

Arlington Track