Des Moines, Ia (Northwest Iowa Now) – In the midst of a thrilling State Track and Field Meet for the KICD 9-County area, one of those area athletes put together a stellar individual performance.

Rachel Schany was the only qualifier for Emmetsburg going into the State Track and Field Championships, just like a season ago. And also, just like a season ago, Schany qualified in 4 events, the maximum for a single athlete to compete for at the State Qualifying Meet.

After two finishes on the podium in the 2024 State Track and Field Meet, including a State Championship in the High Jump, Schany was looking to improve on that for her Junior Season.

Emmetsburg girls Track and Field Coach Ben Thomsen knew she was going to compete well no matter the event, it just came down to deciding which four events those would be.

The 800 was certainly a surprise to the KICD Sports Department. Schany knew the 800 would be a tough race to prepare for and compete in, but that opportunity for competition was what got her to try it out.

During a day with wind gusts climbing into the 40s, Schany would move on to the State Meet from the Qualifying Meet in the High Jump, Long Jump, 400, and 800.

Elements were significantly better for day 1 of competition at the State Track and Field Championships in which Schany would compete in the Long Jump and 400. The E-Hawk would clock 58.08 seconds, finishing 3rd to collect Bronze in the 400, then turn around and finish the Long Jump with a best mark of 17’8”, giving her the Bronze Medal in that event as well.

Day 2 was for defending her crown in the High Jump, which Schany did comfortably to win Gold, clearing 5’6”. Schany’s experience at the State Meet helped calm her nerves.

On Saturday, the final day of competition, Schany would run the 800 out of the first heat, which is typically the slow heat.

Despite seeing so many great performances from his Junior, Coach Thompson put her 800 performance at State up with the best of them.

In the team standings, State Champion Pella Christian, Runner-Up Van Meter, Tipton, Spirit Lake, and Mid-Prairie all filled the top 5, bringing an army of competitors with them. Emmetsburg, with only one Qualifier, would finish 6th in the team standings due to Schany amassing 30 points on her own.