By 605 Sports Staff

It is hard to remember an outdoor season with so many state records set. As athletes converge on Sioux Falls this weekend the AA ranks boast an elite lineup of record-setting athletes ready to let all their hard work show off on the biggest stage. 

The Brandon Valley boys look to be a strong contender for the AA title led by their sprinting and relay efforts. Senior Julian Watson broke the state record in the 400-meter dash (:47.46). Watson has the second fastest 200-meter dash (:21.77) and will likely run in several of the Lynx relays. 

Brandon Valley has Class AA’s best times in the 400-meter relay (:42.51), No. 2 time in the 800-meter relay (1:29.44) and the top time in the 1,600 meter relay (3:20.05). Senior Jeremiah Donahoe has the No. 3 Class AA time in the 110-meter hurdles (:15.19) and the top time in the 300-meter hurdles (:38.95). Brandon Valley isn’t particularly strong in the field events so discus throwers Tristan Niewenhuis and Brayden Cline, both ranked in the top-six, could provide valuable points. Javelin is a new event this season and the Lynx have the No. 1 rated thrower in the state, Brayden Cline (174-1). 

For Rapid City Stevens junior Simeon Birnbaum set state records in the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs. The distance phenom has the top time in the 800-meter run (1:52.28) but could run in several relays depending on where the Raider coaches can maximize points with him. 

Any sprint points from Julian Watson in the 100-meter dash and 400-meter dash would be helpful. Hurdler Tanner Lunders has the No. 6 time in the 110-meter hurdles (:15.44) but enters the 300-meter hurdles with the No. 2 time (:40.11). The Raiders are ranked in the top-five for the 400, 800 and 1,600 meter relays, the No. 2 time in the 3,200 meter relay and the top time in the sprint medley relay (3:27.52). Beck Morgan in the high jump would add valuable points if he can reach the podium. 

Athletes to watch: 

Jaden Guthmiller, Spearfish: Set the state record in the 100-meter dash (:10.45), has the fastest 200-meter dash time (:21.74). 

Owen Spartz, Watertown: Only a sophomore Spartz has cleared 15-5 in the pole vault this season. 

Sam Rohlfs, Aberdeen Central: Broke the state record in the long jump (24-00.75), has Class AA’s top mark in the triple jump (45-9) and could run in several sprinting events or relays for the Golden Eagles. 

Kael Meidema, Sioux Falls Washington: State leader in the shot put (59-7.50) and discus (178-5). 

Cody Oswald, Yankton: Has the top AA time in the 110-meter hurdles (:14.98). 

Brayden Delahoyde, Spearfish: Class AA’s top high jump with a leap of 6-7. 

Class AA meet records:

100-Meter Dash: Matthew Stahl, Sioux Falls Washington, :10.49, 2021.

200-Meter Dash: Nathan Gerry, Sioux Falls Washington, :21.71, 2013. Washington

400-Meter Dash: Cam Holmes, Brandon Valley, :48.39, 2013 

800-Meter Run: Jacob Simmons, Sturgis Brown, 1:52.38, 2015

1,600-Meter Run: Rod DeHaven, Huron, 4:09.8, 1984. 

3,200-Meter Run: Will Lauer, Sioux Falls Lincoln, 8:58.49, 2015. 

110-Meter Hurdles: Talon Maxon, Rapid City Central, :14.15, 2015.

300-Meter Hurdles: Parker McKittrick, Pierre, :38.24, 2011

400-Meter Relay: Sioux Falls Lincoln, :41.98, 2018 (Meyers, Redd, Bizimana, Brison)

800-Meter Relay: Sioux Falls Lincoln, 1:27.92, 2018 (Schuller, Saliva, Becker, Brison

3,200-Meter Relay: Brandon Valley, 7:48.31, 2010 (Schultz, Killan, Brockmueller, Brockmueller)

Sprint Medley Relay: Watertown, 3:32.16, 2010 (Langner, Trevino, Schull, Gilbertson)

High Jump: Jason Sutherland, 7-0, 1992, Watertown

Long Jump: Doug Vlasman, Madison, 23-4.5, 1982

Triple Jump: Joshua Dotson, RC Central, 47-3, 2015. 

Discus: George Amundson, Aberdeen Central, 211-4, 1969. 

Shot Put: Cooper Mack, Watertown, 66-6.75, 2021.

Pole Vault: John Wurtz, Rapid City Stevens, 16-0, 1993