By Rich Winter

605 Sports

The 2025 Gregory boys track team will be looking to make history this spring. Since track went to a three-class system in 1969 no Class B boys team has won three consecutive team titles. The Gorillas shared a team title with Ipswich in 2023 and edged Deubrook Area for the title in 2024. 

Gregory scores points all over the track and field and the 2025 season will be no different.

Max Cook, Pierce Stukel, Colt Keiser and Luke Stukel combined to finish second in the 1,600-meter relay (3:28.12) and all four team members are back. The Stukels, along with Paul Sinclair and Finn Adams, are all returning and helped Gregory win the sprint medley relay (3:44.73) in 2025. 

Adams should be one of the top contenders for the 800-meter run title this spring. Luke Barreto also returns after finishing sixth in the 3,200-meter run (10:11.44) as a sophomore. Senior Rane Kenzy returns after finishing seventh in the shot put (45-00.25) and second in the javelin (158-01). Keiser finished fourth in the high jump (6-00) and is one of the top Class B jumpers.

Freeman Academy/Marion is a team that always seems to find their way into contention by the state meet and the team returns several weapons from a team that finished second a year ago. 

Keaton Preheim finished second in the 100-meter dash (:11.02) and third in the 200-meter dash (:23.22). Dominic Sperling, Preheim, Karter Weber and Finley McConniel teamed up to finish second in the sprint medley relay. 

Finley McConniel finished third in the 1,600-meter run and 3,200-meter run and should score major points in both events. Triple jumper Karter Weber returns after finishing eighth at the 2024 Class B state meet (41-02.25). 

Ipswich will need to replace Trevor Heinz but a strong track tradition and some quality returners will have Ipswich in contention by May.

Maxwell Kulesa finished fifth in the 200-meter dash (:23.71). 

Rasmus Loken won the pole vault last season (12-09) and was just off the podium in the 110-hurdles. Loken along with Kulesa, Kyle Hettich and Casey Geditz could pair for several explosive sprint relays for the Tigers.  

Philip should be near the top of the team standings with a nice mixture of distance running, sprinting and field events. Trey Larson, Baylor Burns and Jack Peterson will be counted on for big points in the distance events and 3,200-meter relay. Senior Evan Kroetch is the top returner in the boys discus and will look to improve on a sixth place finish in the shot put.

Rane Kenzy finished second in the Class B javelin a year ago - Rodney Haas / 605 Sports

Class B boys athletes to watch: 

Christopher Lee, Colman-Egan: Third in the 100-meter dash (:11.12) and ran on third place teams in the 400-meter relay (:44.76) and a second place 800-meter relay (1:32.24). 

Gannon Henrich, De Smet: Fifth in the 100-meter dash (:11.32) and sixth in the 200-meter dash (:11.12).

Dax Frandsen, James Valley Christian: Fifth in the 400-meter dash (:51.64) as a sophomore.

Adrik Schoon, Jones County: Finished second in the 800-meter run (2:04.74). 

Silas Holdeman, Mitchell Christian: Won the 1,600-meter run (4:29.36) and 3,200-meter run (9:55.62).

Zachery Moyer, Chester: Second in the 110-meter hurdles (:15.43) and ninth in the 300-meter hurdles (:43.09).

Spencer Melius, Faulkton Area: Finaished seventh in the 110-meter hurdles (:16.11), fourth in the 300-meter hurdles (:41.36) and fourth in the javelin (149-08).

Grant Wilkinson, De Smet: Fourth in the shot put (47-09.75) and 11th in the discus (133-10).

Jack Mousel, Coman-Egan: Finished third in the high jump (6-02), eighth in the 200-meter dash (:23.90).

Jake Burns, Arlington: Finished fourth in the pole vault (11-03). 

Landon Larson, Potter County: Finished second in the long jump (21-05.25)

Gavin Waldner, James Valley Christian: Finished third in the long jump (21-01.50) as a freshman. 

Ty Boekelheide, Northwestern: Finished third in the triple jump (42-04.5) as a freshman.

Rush O'Neill, Bennett County: O'Neill, a sophomore, competed in Class A last season and finished third in the 110-meter hurdles (:15.21), fourth in the high jump (6-03) and fifth in the long jump (20-07.50).