Contributed by Tyler Henry

The 2016 Southeast of Saline track season ended on a high note as all the athletes representing the Trojans performed exceptionally at the state meet. After numerous weather delays hindered progress, the two day state meet in Wichita finally concluded, and when it did, many Southeast of Saline athletes found the podium.

The women’s team consisting of Allison Stutterheim, Brooke Banks, Kylee Poague and Kylee Thaxton, had an excellent finish, scoring Bronze at state. The team ended the meet tied for third with Nemaha Central. Stutterheim, the anchor for the team, won gold in the 800 and 1600, adding two state medals to her already impressive resume. Senior Kylee Poague also finished the season strong with a gold finish in the 300m hurdles, and a bronze in the 100m hurdles. Sophomore Kylee Thaxton and Freshman Brooke Banks put the finishing touches on the Trojan Bronze with a sixth place finish in the Javelin from Thaxton and a fourth place finish in the 3200 from Banks.

The men’s team also finished strong as Senior Easton Montgomery and Sophomore Gareth Pettijohn performed well in field events. Montgomery finished ninth in the Shot Put while Pettijohn found the podium taking sixth in the Javelin in just his Sophomore season.

Pettijohn, Banks and Thaxton will be returning next season and will be joined by a whole host of capable athletes who round out this Trojan track and field team. Stay tuned to KINA and Salina Post for more coverage of Southeast of Saline athletics including Football, Cross Country and Volleyball this fall.