What to watch for in boys competition at state track

A preview of boys competition at the state track meet.

CLASS 4A

Individuals to watch: The 100- and 200-meter races will be duels between James Harrington of Cedar Falls and Austin Ebertowski of Council Bluffs Abraham Lincoln. Kyle Dunn of Linn-Mar has vaulted to elite status in the 400-meter hurdles - he ran 51.51 at districts - and will be a factor in the 110 highs, the open 400 and the shuttle hurdle relay. Indianola's Brennan Davey has run 48.68 at districts, 48.4 this season in the 400. Cedar Rapids Prairie's Matt Stocker is the district leader in the 800 and anchored the Hawks' Drake Relays champion 3,200 relay.

Video of Kyle Dunn

Teams to watch: Defending-champion Cedar Rapids Washington brings back a strong contingent of 17 qualifiers, including all six relays. The Warriors will be challenged by a number of teams, including Metro rival Linn-Mar, which ought to score well behind Dunn and its throwers. Indianola made an impact at Drake and will be strong in its relays. Pleasant Valley and West Des Moines Valley have the most qualifiers - 19 apiece.

CLASS 3A

Individuals to watch: Glenwood's Johnny Fuller was the Drake Relays champion in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races, but expects a still challenge from Winterset's Evan Selsor in both races. Brett Bogaard of Pella is the 3A season leader in the 100 and 200. Brandon Scherff of Denison-Schleswig had thrown the shot 65 feet.

Teams to watch: This ought to be an entertaining multi-team affair. Defending champion DeWitt Central has 14 entrants. Sioux City Heelan is the season leader in the 800-meter relay and the medley, while Harlan has the top district efforts in the 4×400 and 4×800. Algona, the 2009 runner-up, has the most qualifiers (16), along with Adel ADM.

CLASS 2A

Individuals to watch: Solon's Pat Parsyz had a big district meet, and enters state as the man to beat in the 200 and 400. He'll also anchor the Spartans' highly regarded sprint relays. Tanner Miller of Mid-Prairie is the favorite in both hurdles races.

Teams to watch: Fort Dodge St. Edmond scored 62 points and ran away with the title a year ago. The relay-rich Gaels certainly will be in the mix again, but should get a strong push from Solon (with its strong sprints) and Mid-Prairie (behind Miller and 800 competitor Justin Hochstetler). In terms of quantity, Ida Grove OA-BCIG and Dyersville Beckman have the most qualifiers (14 and 13, respectively).

CLASS 1A

Individuals to watch: Sophomore Conner Smock of Lisbon is one of the state's top distance runners, in any class. Smock has the season's best effort in 1A in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter races. Louie Wickett of Madrid is a top-flight sprinter. Local stars include Alburnett sprinter Kyle Thoreson and Elkader Central discus thrower Timothy Nemechek, both of whom are top seeds.

Teams to watch: Defending-champion Madrid is a solid favorite to repeat behind Wickett, shot put favorite Eric Simmons and a top-seeded 400-meter relay unit. Belmond-Klemme is a threat to challenge, and Lisbon – which tied for third in 2009 - ought to score well behind Smock.