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Several North Branch athletes earned trips to the Minnesota state track and field meet at the Section 7AA Championships at Rock Ridge on Saturday, May 30.

Following prelims on May 27, the Vikings delivered strong performances in the finals, securing five state-qualifying finishes. 

Junior Sophia Thorsen paced North Branch with an outstanding day on the track. She captured section championships in both the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash, winning in times of 12.33 and 25.12 seconds, respectively. 

Thorsen wasn't done there. She added a third state berth by placing second in the long jump with a leap of 16 feet, 7 inches and then she helped propel North Branch's 4x100-meter relay team to a section title. The quartet of Rachel Halseth, Thorsen, Kailie Kopp and Ella Dick crossed the finish line in 49.34 seconds, edging a talented field and securing a trip to state. Amelia Lattimore also got a bid to state in the long jump after hitting an auto qualifying distance despite finishing third.

The Vikings dominated the girls pole vault, as usual, claiming both state-qualifying spots, as well as third place. Senior Ella Dick won the section championship by clearing 12 feet, while fellow senior Brooke Giese finished second with a personal-best vault of 10’10”. Freshman Savannah Schroepfer finished third with a height of 9’9” The one-two-three finish highlighted the depth North Branch has developed in the event, as they continue to send large contingents to state.

For the boys, their lone competitor that qualified for state was sophomore Nolan Weidenhamer. He hit a personal best of 21’9” in the long jump to finish in third place and get an auto bid to state.

The state meet will be held June 4-6 at St. Michael-Albertville High School.

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