South Hardin will be well represented at the state track and field meet after qualifying in 14 events between its boys and girls teams. The Tiger boys qualified in eight events, while the Tiger girls advanced in six. The total more than doubles South Hardin’s number of state-qualifying events from 2025, when the boys qualified in one event and the girls qualified in five.
On Thursday at the Class 2A state qualifying meet in Story City, one of those qualifiers was Peyton Welch, who jumped a personal-best 21 feet, 2.25 inches to place second in the long jump and seal his fourth trip to the state meet in the event.
Welch says his training has focused on building height and consistency in his approach.
“We got a ramp to work on our height and we run steps almost every practice and we got a board to work on our steps approaching,” says Welch.
Another qualifier, Ayda Eller, finished first in the 400-meter dash in 58.84 seconds to punch her ticket to the state meet. Eller says her improvement has come from a combination of focuses.
“Taking the practices really seriously,” says Eller. “Also, people don’t realize this, but the blocks, the blocks are a big thing when it comes to getting out and getting the fast start. But just literally practice and running different events. I’ve ran the 800 here and there, and it’s helped with the long distance and keeping my endurance throughout the end of the race.”
The state meet will be Thursday, May 21 through Saturday, May 23.
