Wolves improve in three of six state events

 DES MOINES (May 18) -- After qualifying just one event for the state track meet last year and three in 2016, the IKM-Manning boys were a little more busy at Drake Stadium last Thursday and Friday.
 The Wolves qualified six events for state and achieved season or personal-best results in three of them while falling short of any medal-winning performances in Class 1A.
 Junior Alex Lingle competed in a team-leading three events for the Wolves, including two individuals. He finished 12th in the 400-meter dash with a new ‘PR’ of 52.44 seconds on Thursday afternoon - placing second in his section - then tied for 17th in the high jump Friday morning by clearing five feet, nine inches.
 Seniors Marshall Hansen and Carter Irlmeier also competed as individuals. Hansen finished 19th in the 200-meter dash Thursday with a prelim time of 24.12 while Irlmeier finished 17th in Friday’s 110-meter hurdles in 16.33. Both placed sixth in their heat.
 IKM-Manning’s two state-qualified relays both ran their fastest times of the year at state.
 On Thursday, the 4x800 team of Nate Blankman, Adam Gruhn, Lingle and Parker Behrens placed third in their section and 12th overall in 8:27.98.
 On Friday, the Wolves’ distance medley squad finished 21st in 3:47.77 with Stephen Grimm, Hansen, Gruhn and Blankman.