Newton High School’s track and field team put forth a strong showing in the Class 1A State Prelims, with standout performances across sprints, relays, hurdles, and field events. Several athletes represented their school with grit and determination and achieved personal milestones on the state’s biggest stage.
Owen Schackmann Shows Versatility in Hurdles
Junior Owen Schackmann demonstrated his athletic versatility by competing in both the 110-meter and 300-meter hurdles. In the 110m hurdles, Schackmann delivered a personal record (PR) time of 15.73 seconds with a favorable wind of +1.9 m/s, placing 19th overall in a competitive field. He also clocked 43.47 seconds in the 300m hurdles, rounding out a solid day of racing.
4×800 Relay Team Runs Strong
The Newton 4×800 relay team, comprised of Jackson Sornberger, Parker Harris, Tanner Whitaker, and Hayden Borgic, came together to run a commendable 8:33.83, placing 19th overall in prelims. Each runner posted strong individual splits:
- Jackson Sornberger (Senior) – 2:09.69
- Parker Harris (Sophomore) – 2:11.88
- Tanner Whitaker (Junior) – 2:08.32
- Hayden Borgic (Junior) – 2:03.93
Borgic’s impressive anchor leg gave the team a strong finish and highlighted his growth as a middle-distance runner.
Wade Wickham Leads Newton in Field Events
Senior Wade Wickham represented Newton in two field events, showcasing his strength and technical skills. In the discus throw, Wickham launched a best mark of 40.53 meters, placing 25th in prelims. He also competed in the pole vault, where he cleared 3.65 meters, finishing in a tie for 12th place — a promising result in a highly technical event.
Looking Ahead
While Newton athletes did not advance to finals in these events, the performances in Charleston are a testament to their hard work and competitive spirit. The experience gained on the state stage will be invaluable as many of these underclassmen return next season, looking to climb the podium.
