Bob Schroeder Memorial Field was busy with activity this week, between construction work just south of the track and two track meets, not much was standing still.

The MHS track team didn’t want to stand still long on Tuesday with the chilly north wind for the Miller Invitational. Despite the weather, the team still managed to put out some top numbers throughout the day, including a new school record established by Emma Steers. Her 100-meter hurdle time of 15:15 broke a 19-year-old school record set in 1993 by Shawn (Danburg) Fernholz. The time was also a state qualifying time.

Leading the way for the Rustlers girls’ team was Emma Steers capturing sweeping the 100 and 300-meter hurdle events while Annie Fulton won the open 100-meters. Fulton’s winning time of 12:46 also earned her a lane at the State Track Meet.

Thrower Alexis Watts improved her state standard distance in the shot put winning the meet with a toss of 37’-11.”

The boys’ Sprint Medley Relay team of Lee Sivertsen, Seth Rombough, Austin Schaff and Darin Peterka also broke the State Qualifying standard with their winning time of 3:45.59.

Joey Vrooman recorded three wins for the day to lead the boys with his shot and discus wins and as a member of the winning 4×400 meter relay. Other members of the 4×400 included, Peterka, Colton Ketelhut and Lee Sivertsen.

The following Saturday, the Rustlers hosted the Central SD Conference Meet, on one of the most beautiful track days of the season so far.

The day began with a special tribute to 30-plus year track coach Tom McGough, who is retiring from teaching this year.

The Rustlers then went to work to make their coach even prouder.

Leaders for the day included a new CSD Conference Meet record set by Emma Steers in the 100-meter hurdles. Steers’ winning run of 15:18 broke the old record of 15:23 set by Highmore’s Rhonda Sheffield in 1997.

Thrower Joey Vrooman captured a big win in the discus throw of 156’03” qualifying him for the State Meet.

Alexis Watts also threw another state qualifying throw for a win in the shot put event.

The boys’ 4×100 relay was the only relay to capture a win for the day with members Alan Ames, Austin Schaff, Colton Ketelhut and Seth Rombough.

Both the boys’ and girls’ team finished in second behind Gettysburg in the team standings.

Other meet records broken included the Mobridge-Pollock girls’ 800-meter relay team (1:29.89) and Bailey Freise in the open 400 (49.48), also of Mobridge-Pollock.

The teams will be in Chamberlain this Thursday for the Region 6A Meet.

Qualifiers thus far for Miller include: Emma Steers (100 and 300 m hurdles), Alexis Watts (shot put), Jamie Mentzer (high jump), Annie Fulton (100 m), Darin Peterka (400) and Joey Vrooman (discus). The boys’ Medley Relay has also qualified.

The SD State Meet will be held in Rapid City, May 21-22.

Full results listed in the Scoreboard on page 13.

Sheila M. Schlechter | The Miller Press

Taking the baton from 4×200’s first leg Emma Steers is Tierney Mullaney during the Central SD Conference Track Meet held in Miller last Saturday.