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Wildcats pick up medals at track opener
WAYNE — Hartington-Newcastle opened its 2026 track season indoors March 21, turning in a strong early showing at the Wayne State College Indoor Track and Field Meet.
Team scores were not kept, but both the Wildcats and Lady Wildcats produced multiple medal performances inside the Wayne State Dome.
The Lady Wildcats were led by Vayda Lippert, Ella Eickhoff and Jade Ford.
Lippert earned a fourth-place medal in the 400-meter dash, finishing in 1:03.24. Eickhoff placed fourth in the pole vault, clearing 7 feet, 6 inches, while Ford took sixth in the triple jump with a mark of 325.5, just shy of her personal best.
“All three girls had marks similar to the end of last track season,” said coach Mandy Hochstein. “That’s a great way to start a season, and we are excited to see how much improvement we will see from indoor to outdoor performances. The team worked hard and supported many ‘firsts’ for a lot of athletes.”
The Wildcats also had a productive day, with seven athletes earning individual medals and a relay team placing.
Cam Carl led the way with a second-place finish in the high jump, clearing a personal-best 5-11. Maximus McCray also earned a runnerup finish in the triple jump with a personal-best leap of 42-7.5-.
Mason Krause added a third-place finish in the triple jump (39-10) and placed fourth in the long jump at 20-4.
Will Feilmeier took fourth in the 60-meter dash in 7.19 seconds, while Issac Santiago placed fifth in the 1,600-meter run in 5:03.13.
Jason Heimes and Ty Opfer tied for fifth in the pole vault, each clearing 10-6.
The 1,600-meter relay team of Krause, McCray, Aiden Walter and Feilmeier finished fifth in 3:43.70.
“This is the largest team I’ve had in my three years as head boys track coach, which really excites me,” said coach Dylan Behnk. “We have a good group of returning athletes accompanied by a large group of freshmen that are eager to learn and earn their own spots.”
Hartington-Newcastle returns to action April 2 at the Plainview Invitational.
Selected results Girls — Vayda Lippert placed fourth in the 400 (1:03.24) and 13th in the 60 (8.54). Ella Eickhoff was fourth in the pole vault (7-6) and 20th in the 60 (8.83). Jade Ford finished sixth in the triple jump (32-5.5) and 21st in the 60 (8.85). The 1,600 relay team of Nora Lange, Karissa Bruning, Justyce Sohl and Lainey Morten placed 10th (5:14.68).
Boys — Cameron Carl placed second in the high jump (5-11). Maximus McCray was second in the triple jump (42-7.5). Mason Krause was third in the triple jump (39-10) and fourth in the long jump (204). Will Feilmeier placed fourth in the 60 (7.19). Issac Santiago was fifth in the 1,600 (5:03.13). Jason Heimes and Ty Opfer tied for fifth in the pole vault (10-6). The 1,600 relay team placed fifth (3:43.70).
