Herald Journal

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CLASS AA STATE TRACK AND FIELD: Delano’s Schmidt shines at Class AA state meet


ST. MICHAEL – History was made by Delano sophomore Cole Schmidt at the Class AA state meet this past weekend. Competing in his first state meet, Schmidt finished in sixth place for the Tigers with a time of 40.40 seconds, the highest finish for any Delano boys hurdler.

“I’m happy with it, but at the same time I’m not,” Schmidt said after the race. “I stood right out of the blocks and I think I could have gotten top four if I didn’t. I’m still happy with the result as a sophomore.”

Schmidt has been working on his craft all season long and it paid off on the state’s biggest stage.

“Cole is an outstanding athlete who knows how to prepare in practice and on competition days,” Delano coach Mitch Rue said. “Being able to place sixth among the largest schools in Minnesota in his event is an amazing accomplishment. It is the highest place finish for a boy hurdler in Delano history, including the years when we were in the small class. He is a role model for our younger athletes, a tremendous student, and a great teammate.”

Competing with the big schools didn’t bother Schmidt. Instead of being worried or complaining about it, he welcomed that challenge.

“I like it,” Schmidt said. “I think it’s a great challenge. I’m kind of mad that a lot of the big schools are going up a class next year. That means I won’t get to run against them in the future.”

Fueled by competition, Schmidt set himself apart at the state meet in his first appearance. Despite being his first taste of the meet, he’s already looking to get back next year and improve even more.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “I just love the competition. It’s so fun to talk with everybody and there are some really fast runners here.  It makes me want to work so hard to get back here. I want to be back.”

Getting to the state meet as a sophomore is impressive enough. Doing so after not having a freshman season is even more so.

“There’s been a lot of improvement over the year,” Schmidt said. “It was a challenge not having a season last year, but everybody had to deal with that. There’s not much you can do about it.”

Class AA state Meet

Saturday, June 19
at STMA High School

Class A State Boys Meet

300-Meter Hurdles

1. Sam Duffing (Hopkins), 39.15

2. Jack Kocher (Lakeville North), 39.45

3. Ren Hamann (STMA), 39.79

4. Sam May (Willmar), 39.86

5. Nathan Genereau (Cloquet), 40.19

6. Cole Schmidt (Delano), 40.40

7. Seth Reicks (St. Peter), 40.60

8. Jeff Odamtten (White Bear Lake), 41.34

9. Ben Howlett (Mounds View), 41.36

10. Nathaniel Otis (Roseville), 41.38

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