SIOUX FALLS — Ciana Stiefel shined at Howard Wood Field once again.

The Custer High School junior soared to her second straight Class A state pole vault title on Thursday, clearing 12-feet and seven-inches. 

“It’s really great,” Stiefel said about repeating. “I was hoping to defend it and then hopefully defend it next year as well.” 

While also contending with the windy conditions at Howard Wood. 

“It wasn’t too bad,” Stiefel said. “I don’t mind it, with a tail wind it is actually really helpful compared to being across a head wind. So it’s not too bad.”

Stiefel finished nearly an entire foot ahead of second-place Rylee Punt of Sioux Falls Christian (11-10). Stiefel and Punt were the last two competitors, with Stiefel the only one that cleared 12-1.

After clearing 12-1, Stiefel went over 12-7 and attempted 13-0. But missed on her three attempts at the meet record. 

“I was feeling good,” Stiefel said. “I was really hoping I was going to be able to make it today, but I just couldn’t exactly make it happen. I just have to put some more things together, practice and then come back out here next year and for sure make that.”

But first, Stiefel will shift her attention to summer competitions. She will compete at the Nike Nationals in Oregon and the USATF Championships in Texas. 

“Hopefully I will be able to clear that 13 in the summer at one of those meets,” said Stiefel, who also praised the South Dakota High School Activities Association for hosting the state meet in Sioux Falls. 

“I would like to thank the whole association,” Stiefel said. “They put on such a good meet and run everything so smoothly and they do a really good job.”