By TYLER HENRY
Salina Post contributor
The Southeast of Saline track and field team wrapped up an incredible 2021 season on Friday, adding a third state title to an already storied year for Trojan athletics.
The SES boys team came into state having won all nine of their previous meets including regionals, and looked like the squad to beat on the states biggest stage.
If there was any pressure on the team it didn’t show, as the Trojans cruised to the state crown, scoring 84 points, 29 clear of their closest competitor in Girard.
All in all Southeast’s boys took home the gold in five different events and found the podium eight times in one of the most dominant performances at state this season.
Things started off well for SES as Dominic and Damion Jackson were able to finish second and eighth respectively in the 3200.
In the 4x800 meter relay, the Trojans dialed it up a notch, winning the race handily with a time of 8:12.861.
From there SES entered a monster stretch, with Chase Poague becoming the teams first individual state champion in the 110m hurdles, and Grant Stumpf finishing close behind in fourth to give the Trojans big points.
After that, it was Dylan Sprecker’s turn to shine, as the distance phenom became the second individual champion for Southeast, winning the 1600 with a time of 4:17.736. Luke Gleason finished fourth in the same race to continue the Trojan tradition of double dipping points.
The 4x100 relay was the only event that didn’t net SES points, but it was of little consequence as Nakari Morrical-Palmer put Southeast back on the board with a fourth place finish in the 400.
From there, the Trojans wasted no time securing their spot at the top as Chase Poague and Dylan Sprecker became two-time state champions winning the 300m hurdles and 800 respectively.
Gleason once again delivered a big points finish, coming third in the 800 and the team put the icing on the cake with a silver medal in the 4x400 meter relay.
This state title is the third of the academic year for SES after the boys and girls cross country teams swept the state meet back in the fall.
Only two girls qualified for the state track meet but both put on a show with Jentrie Alderson becoming a double state champion in the 3200 and 1600 and Ashley Prochazka picking up a bronze medal in the 3200 as well.
This offseason will see the graduation of Dominic Jackson, Luke Gleason, Grant Stumpf and Kanin Elkins but the Trojans will return three double state champions in Chase Poague, Dylan Sprecker and Jentrie Alderson to anchor a team that will be hungry for a repeat performance next season.
For more on Southeast of Saline athletics stay tuned to the Salina Post.