SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Spearfish Spartans put together an impressive opening day at the 2026 South Dakota State Track and Field Meet, earning victories, podium finishes, and valuable team points across the track and field venue in Sioux Falls.
Leading the way was a balanced effort from the Spartan girls, who showcased the depth that has made Spearfish one of South Dakota’s top programs throughout the season.
The relays once again proved to be a major strength for Spearfish.
The Spartans posted first-place finishes in both the girls 4×800-meter relay and the girls 1,600-meter sprint medley relay. Spearfish crossed the finish line in 9:17.09 in the 4×800 before adding another event victory in the sprint medley with a time of 4:03.43.
Spearfish also turned in a strong performance in the girls 4×400-meter relay, placing third in 3:59.66, while the girls 4×200-meter relay added a seventh-place finish with a time of 1:45.29.
The distance events produced another successful day for the Spartans.
Junior Peyton VanDeest earned a victory in the girls 800-meter run, crossing the finish line in 2:09.81. She also placed second in the girls 1,600-meter run with a time of 4:55.05.
Senior Kori Keil added two top-eight finishes for Spearfish, placing eighth in the 800 meters in 2:18.74 and seventh in the 1,600 meters in 5:06.39.
The Spartans also found success in the field events.
Junior Reese Nida won the girls pole vault competition after clearing 12 feet, 7 inches, while teammate Laila Ratzsch finished second with a clearance of 12-3. The one-two finish gave Spearfish a significant boost in the team standings and highlighted the program’s strength in the event.
Senior Adelyn Bouman added another top-five finish for the Spartans in the girls high jump, clearing 5-4 to place fifth.
On the boys side, senior Sam Marcus delivered one of Spearfish’s top performances of the day in the javelin. Marcus recorded a throw of 184 feet, 4 inches to finish second against a strong Class AA field.