Western North Dakota athletes shine in day one of Howard Wood Relays

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KFYR) - This year the Howard Wood Dakota Relays celebrates its 100th anniversary, and athletes from Western North Dakota have already made a splash on day one of the event.

The headliners of the night were the special events, which were the 800 meter boys race, and the 200 meter girls race. The participants are hand selected after a nomination process from coaches.

On the girls side, Velva’s Anya Olson won the 200 meters in 23.94. That time ties Olson with former New Rockford-Sheyenne runner Kelsie Belquist for No. 1 all-time in North Dakota high school history.

“It’s an honor to be out here,“ Olson said. ”First year running this and I’m just super excited that I came out. I put a lot of work in the offseason. I’m just glad that it really paid off. It was just really great competition running against these girls who are running dang near the same time as me, and it’s such an honor to be here.”

Olson also set a new Howard Wood Relays record in the 100 meter dash semifinals in a time of 11.67. The previous record stood at 11.71.

Bowman County’s Taylor Wanner won the boys special event in a time of 1:52.64. His time makes him the fifth fastest 800 meter runner in North Dakota high school history, regardless of class. He also broke the Bulldogs’ school record, as well as the Class B all-time record.

“It really truly feels amazing to even be considered and accepted to this race, so just being able to run it is truly amazing,” Wanner said.

St. Mary’s boys 4x200 meter relay team of Isaac Duppong, Colby Fleck, Derek Martel and Ethan Brintnell won the Class A Division of the race in a time of 1:30.47.

In field events, Bismarck High School’s Jordyn Rood took gold in the girls high jump with a jump of 5 feet, 6 inches.

Dickinson’s Blake Homiston won boys pole vault with a jump of 15 feet, 3 inches.

For full meet results click here.

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