Six individuals from Johnson County Central and two from Sterling competed in the 2026 NSAA State Championships for Track and Field on Friday and Saturday, May 22 and 23. Of those six from JCC, six medals returned with them from Burke High School, despite the rain and wind constantly looming over the stadium. A brief rain delay was had, but no lightning or other severe weather occurred and the tournament went on as scheduled.
Molly Weber competed in three different events at the tournament. Her long jump of 17’ 4.25” earned her a sixth place medal, while she earned fifth in both the 100 meter and 200 meter dashes. Harley Lubben threw a shotput 40’ 2.25” to secure third place and launched her discus 129’ 3” for fourth place. Gabe Bernadt also threw shot put, though his distance wasn’t quite enough to get him on the podium. Trevin Huskey and Madison VanLanigham both competed in the 3200 meter run. Huskey earned fourth place with a time of 9 minutes and 45 seconds. VanLanigham did not place.
The pair of Sterling athletes, Luke Boldt and Jocelyn Rathe, both participated in track events. Boldt ran the 110 meter high hurdles while Rathe sprinted in the 100 meter dash. Neither Sterling athlete did well enough to place, but the experience of competing at such an event is an achievement in itself.
