Simons finishes in fourth place of SD Class ‘B’ long jump

By Brett Nachtigall

Publisher

SIOUX FALLS – The Edgemont Moguls track & field teams qualified and took part in five different events this past weekend at the State Class “B” Championships on May 25 and 25 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, which featured strong performances by all athletes but topped by a fourth place finish from sophomore Caleb Simons in the long jump during Friday's competition.

“This entire season has been a fun ride, and for it to culminate in Sioux Falls last weekend was a perfect ending,” said head coach Joe Martin. “I was proud of each of them and enjoyed watching them take on this level of competition. We stood on the podium and said goodbye to an accomplished senior.”

Simons entered the state tournament with the sixth best leap of all the qualifiers. He however improved his standing amongst the competition by finishing fourth overall with a distance of 20 feet, 7 inches. First place was won by Zech Clemens of Northwestern with 21 feet, 10.5 inches. 

“Our boys’ long jumper was solid all season and his attention to detail in practice helped him get a mark on his three prelim jumps, qualifying for the finals in the 4th spot,” Coach Martin said. “He recorded three marks in finals with his furthest jump of the day coming on his last attempt. He finished 10th a season ago, and capped a spectacular sophomore season on the podium at Howard Wood.”

Also competing on Friday was Bridget Neville in the girls' 400-meters (1:03.88, 15th overall), as well as the girls Medley Relay team of Abby Tidball, Sarah Barker, Morgan Peterson and Neville (4:47.25, 19th) and 4x400m Relay team of Peyton Ostenson, Tidball, Peterson and Nevill (4:49.69, 18th).

“Our girls had a busy Friday,” Martin said. “It began with a solid performance in the 400m dash, where we finished a second faster than our Region time.

“Our Medley Relay was as strong as it had been all season finishing three seconds from a school record. In particular, our 400m leg was outstanding and put us in contention for a spot in finals. We finished the day with our fastest 4x400 of the season, capping back-to-back years performing in these two relays with the same girls. Our lone senior at state finished her career Saturday in Discus after qualifying in her first individual event after years of hard work.”

Tidball's discus throw on Saturday went 99-06, which was 19th best in the field.

“Finishing the season I couldn’t help but look ahead to the athletes coming back over the next few seasons and the experience they’ve gained over the past two seasons,” Martin added. “We have every reason to be optimistic about our team moving forward in the years to come, and I believe we are capable of reaching new all-time bests as soon as next season begins.”

Martin also announced his awards for the season, which are as follows:

Girls

MVP: Abby Tidball, Morgan Peterson

Most Improved: Bridget Neville

Mogul Award: Elli Hollenbeck

Boys

MVP: Caleb Simons

Most Improved: Hunter Hollenbeck

Mogul Award: Kaleb Darrow

Fall River County Herald Star

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