Hi-Liners Sending 15 Athletes to State Track & Field 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Kadie Kocka - Pole Vault; photo courtesy of Alyssa Thomsen Photography

The Valley City Hi-Liners will once again be well represented at the North Dakota Class B State Track & Field Meet in Bismarck, taking place May 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, as 15 athletes punched their tickets to the biggest stage of the season.

The Hi-Liners qualified athletes across sprints, relays, distance events, hurdles, jumps, throws, and pole vault, showcasing the depth and versatility both programs have built throughout the spring season.

On the girls side, Valley City will lean on strong relay groups that have consistently improved throughout the year. Athletes like Morgan Larson, Kadie Kocka, Layni Bakalar, Brynn Lueck, Chesney Thomsen, and Maddy Frieze have helped power the Hi-Liners into multiple relay events, while Cadence Fetsch qualified individually in the 1600-meter run. Kocka also qualified in both the 100-meter dash and pole vault, while Lueck earned a trip to state in the 300 hurdles.

The boys squad brings plenty of firepower as well. Derek Shape headlines a loaded sprint group, qualifying in the 100, 200, 400, and all three relays. Finn Dockter qualified individually in the long jump while also contributing in relay events, and Owen Hunt qualified in both the shot put and discus. Andon Bulow earned his spot in the javelin, while the Hi-Liners also qualified strong relay teams in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400.

What stands out most about this year’s group is balance. Valley City is not sending one or two athletes carrying the load — they are sending competitors spread across nearly every phase of track and field. That speaks to development, coaching consistency, and athletes buying into the process throughout the season.

Now comes the fun part.

The Class B State Meet always brings another level of energy, pressure, and competition, but this Hi-Liner group has already shown they can compete with some of the best athletes in North Dakota. With relay chemistry, experienced upperclassmen, and several athletes competing in multiple events, Valley City will have opportunities to make noise throughout the three-day meet in Bismarck.

Good luck to all 15 Hi-Liners competing at state this week. 🔵⚪🏅