Hannah Schmidt and Samantha Angell had beautiful weather last weekend as they participated in the MSHSL State Track and Field meet at Hamline University Friday and Saturday.
Finals for high jump were Friday and Schmidt jumped 5'2" to earn a spot on the medal stand, tying for ninth place in a very talented field.
Angell also participated Friday in her preliminary heat of the 100 meter hurdles. While she did not advance to the finals, her time placed her 15th overall.
“These athletes all gained valuable experience at the state meet level, which is very different from the other meets during regular season,” said Head Coach Trish Reimer-Kealy. “The competition is fantastic and the atmosphere amazing. We are very proud of how these kids performed and conducted themselves representing Becker in a very positive way.”
The coach wanted to give a shout out to the Becker track members who attended and worked the meet as well including Jada Rositas, Shannon Sydow, Siera Knick, Deedra Lawrence, Michaela Allen, Tate Spinner, Logan Lahr, Andrew Davalos,and Olsen Pancoast.
End-Of-Year Banquet
Tuesday, the girls gathered at school to hold their annual potluck awards banquet.
“We are very proud of how our girls performed this year,” said Reimer-Kealy. “Especially finishing as runners up in the Granite Ride Conference championship meet, only three points out of first place. A marked improvement over last years’ sixth place finish.”
Becker coaches honored several athletes with special awards, including for most points scored: Hannah Schmidt (second year in a row); most dedicated: Michaela Manifold; most improved: Jada Rositas; rookie award: Sam Angell and Lexi Dehmer; scholar athletes: Schmidt and Angell; MSHSL performance honor roll: Schmidt and Angell.
The Becker girls team was awarded the Minnesota High School Coaches Association Gold Standard Award for Academic Excellence.
All State Academic Awards went to: Schmidt, Angell and Alli Hendrickson. To earn the award, one must have a GPA of 3.6 or higher and be either all conference, on the MSHSL honor roll or make the state meet.
All Conference Awards went to: Schmidt (high jump, pole vault), Angell (100 hurdles, 300 hurdles), Hendrickson and Dehmer (1600 meters).
Schmidt was also honorable mention in the 200 meters.
A special mention goes out the team’s senior captain, Michaela Manifold, who has been with the team her entire high school career.
“She did a great job as captain and finished out with some of the best performances of her career,” said Reimer-Kealy. “Michaela is a fine young woman who gave her best in every situation and we will miss her greatly. We wish her the best.”
The coaches also thanked the parents who had been so supportive all season.
“Your kids are the best,” said the head coach. “Sherry Cox, thanks for the photos you gave to the team.”
Reimer-Kealy also thanked the other coaches for a great season including Dustin Weege, Josh Ihrke and boys coach Paul Schmidt.
“They work so hard and do a great job,” she said. “Not to mention their spouses who are very patient with us.
She also thanked Activities Director Dave Niemi and activities office manager Jesse O"Neill for their support.
