HAYS, Kan. – A 70-minute technology delay, cool temperature, and some persistent light rain were not enough to slow down some of the best track and field athletes in the state Thursday in Hays. The full list of Class 5A state qualifiers will only be known after the conclusion of Friday’s regional meets. The top-three finishers in each event Thursday automatically qualified for state. Six at-large bids are up for grabs across the four 5A regionals.
Bishop Carroll had a big day. The Lady Golden Eagles scored 189 points for the regional crown, followed by Hays with 122 points, and Salina Central with 99.5 points. The Carroll boys won with 138 points, followed by Salina Central with 94 points. Goddard edged out the host Indians 88-86 for third place.
The girls’ sprint fields were loaded with seven of the top 16 runners in Class 5A. Hays junior Lyndi Zimmerman was a front-runner for the title after an exciting hurdle final. At the front of the sprint pack, Zimmerman pulled up with an injury and did not finish. Great Bend sophomore Karys Leu capitalized with the win in 12.33, followed by Salina Central sophomore Reese Schneweis in 12.52. Carroll senior Ashlynn Sauer ran third in 12.54…