The Waseca Bluejays track and field teams turned in an impressive all-around performance at the TCU Invitational in Montgomery, highlighted by dominant sprinting, strong relay efforts, and standout performances across both running and field events.
The Waseca boys captured the team championship, finishing first overall with 153 points, well ahead of Sibley East (87.33), Tri-City United (77.33), and LeSueur-Henderson/MNCS (50.33).
On the track, Waseca showcased exceptional depth in the 100-meter dash, placing six athletes in the top eight. Junior Jordan Johnston led the way with a first-place finish in 11.53, followed closely by teammates Jonah Worke (2nd, 11.65) and Aydan Kath (3rd, 11.79). The Bluejays’ sprint dominance continued in the relays, where the 4x100 team of Worke, Jett Rohl, Kath, and Johnston captured first place in 45.59. Waseca also took the top spot in the 4x200 relay (1:38.20) and the 4x400 relay (3:46.33), completing a relay sweep on the day.
Tovin Grannis delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the meet, winning the 300-meter hurdles (43.57), placing second in the 110-meter hurdles (16.44), and clearing 6’0” to win the high jump.
The distance crew made a strong impact as well. Landon Rutt led a 1-2 finish in the 800 meters, winning in 2:15.22, with Tomas Vasquez taking second. Rutt also added a runner-up finish in the 1600 meters (4:59.10), while Ryan Yoder contributed across multiple events.
In the field events, Waseca dominated the discus with a sweep of the top three spots. Landan Madsen took first (131’3”), followed by Owen Rupe (2nd) and Toby Jeske (3rd). Jeske also placed third in the shot put (42’6.75”), leading a strong showing from the Bluejay throwers. William Mansfield added a win in the pole vault (13’6”) and a second-place finish in the triple jump, while Jett Rohl took second in the long jump.
On the girls side, Waseca finished fourth as a team with 67 points in a competitive field, behind Tri-City United (165.33), LeSueur-Henderson/MNCS (73.67), and Sibley East (68).
The Bluejays were led by Ava VanDenHemel, who won the 800 meters (2:42.34), and the 4x800 relay team of Stella Omtvedt, Maren Schimming, Ellie Kopischke, and VanDenHemel, which captured first place in 10:36.39.
Waseca also saw strong performances in the relays, with the 4x400 team finishing second (4:27.98) and the 4x200 relay placing third. Reese Rodriguez paced the sprint group with a third-place finish in the 200 meters.
In distance events, Quinn Yoder and Jenna Yoder added key finishes in the 800 meters, while Taylor Markeson placed third in the 1600 and added another top-six finish in the 800. Omtvedt also earned a runner-up finish in the 3200 meters.
In the field events, Maren Schimming placed second in the pole vault, while Savanna Vagts led the high jumpers with a fourth-place finish. Jacey Jensen and Kina Grannis contributed solid efforts in both the shot put and discus.
Overall, it was a strong showing for both Bluejay squads, highlighted by a boys team championship, multiple event titles, and numerous personal-best performances as Waseca continues to build momentum this season.
Waseca Track and Field will return to action on Friday, April 24th at 4:00pm for the PEM Winged Foot Invitational in Elgin.