By Rich Winter

605 Sports

PIERRE — Following the completion of the Ruth Marske Invitational Pierre track and field coach Joshua Schleusner posted a note on his social media for track fans to remember the name Emlyn Swanson. 

“Remember the name,” Schluesner said. “This one’s going to be a superstar.” 

Schleusner was referring to a Pierre freshman who had just taken up long jumping and triple jumping. 

“Emily long jumped 16-7 for a third place finish and a big personal best,” he said. “She jumped 33-1.25 in the triple jump for a fifth place finish. All this as a freshman.” 

At Tuesday’s Bob Judson Invitational Swanson long jumped 16-04.25 to finish second. Swanson won the triple jump Tuesday with a personal best of 35-04.50, nearly two feet better than her previous best. Swanson’s triple jump mark is currently the fifth best mark in Class AA. 

Schluesner is well known across South Dakota for his infectious enthusiasm while coaching his jumpers. He’s also well known for producing state champions and multiple state place winners. 

In 2022, while at Belle Fourche, Schluesner’s pupil Aiden Giffin won the Class A long jump. 

Schluesner helped coach former Belle Fourche and University of Wyoming standout Shayla Howell to multiple state titles in the long jump and triple jump. 

At Tuesday’s Bob Judson Invitational the Pierre boys took the top three slots in the boys long jump. Carson Stoeser (21-11.25), Eladio Simental (21-1.25) and Corde Austin (20-7.25) claimed those top three spots.