North Tama's Stoakes wins 1A title all by herself

By Jeff Linder The Gazette DES MOINES - Sara Stoakes' goose-bump moment came on an 80-degree day. One of the most versatile track athletes in state history, Stoakes wrapped up a brilliant career with two more girls' Class 1A state championships at Drake Stadium. She finished her career with 12 titles, including four this year. She accounted for all of North Tama's 40 points, which was enough to give her school the 1A team title, its fourth in a row. As she came down the home stretch with a safe lead in the 1,500, the crowd rose and acknowledged her accomplishments. “That was something I'd always dreamed of,” said Stoakes, who will run at Kansas State University next year. “The final race, everybody on their feet ... It gave me goose bumps.” North Iowa was second with 38 points. Stoakes won her two races Saturday comfortably, taking the 800 in 2 minutes, 13.26 seconds, then pulling away from Council Bluffs St. Albert's Abby Schlater with 600 meters to go to claim the 1,500 in 4:44.78. “I didn't want to take any chances (against Schlater),” Stoakes said. “I knew I could outdistance her.” Stoakes' final ledger consists of two titles in the 100, 200 and 400, one in the 800, 1,500 and 400 hurdles, and three relay crowns. She also won the cross country crown last fall. “The sprinters say I can't run cross country, and the distance girls say I can't sprint,” Stoakes said. “I like to do it all.” Highland finished second to North Iowa in the 400-meter relay, its second close brush with gold this weekend. The Huskies were second in the 800-meter relay Friday. “It's the exact same feeling,” said a mildly disappointed anchor Mollie Kloepfer. “Our handoffs were great, but (North Iowa) was quick.” Valley Community was second in the 1,600 relay.