05/29/2026
Raiders Qualify Five Athletes for State Meet
The Bertha-Hewitt-Verndale Raider boys track and field team competed in the MSHSL Section 6A Meet on Thursday, May 28 at Concordia College in Moorhead. The Raiders finished seventh out of 23 teams with 42 points. Osakis claimed the team championship with 79 points.
The highlight of the day for the Raiders was qualifying five athletes for the MSHSL State Track and Field Championships.
Brady Rach earned a Section 6A championship in the 800-meter run, securing an automatic berth to the state meet. Gunnar Barthel also medaled in the event with a sixth-place finish.
In the distance races, Henry Lockwood placed second in the 3200-meter run, while Nolan Rach earned a fifth-place finish. Both runners contributed to another strong performance in relay competition.
Brady Messer added a fifth-place finish in the high jump, while Tristan Adams earned an eighth-place medal in the 300-meter hurdles.
The Raiders also excelled in the relay events. The 4x800-meter relay team of Henry Lockwood, Jakub Stovicek, Nolan Rach, and Gunnar Barthel finished second to qualify for the state meet. The 4x400-meter relay team of Tristan Adams, Gunnar Barthel, Jakub Stovicek, and Brady Rach added a fifth-place finish.
Advancing to the MSHSL State Track and Field Championships for the Raiders are Brady Rach in the 800-meter run; Henry Lockwood in the 3200-meter run and as a member of the 4x800-meter relay; Nolan Rach, Jakub Stovicek, and Gunnar Barthel as members of the state-qualifying 4x800-meter relay team.
The MSHSL State Track and Field Championships will be held on Thursday, June 4 and Friday, June 5 at St. Michael-Albertville High School. Class A competition is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. each day.
“We are excited for the opportunity to have five athletes continue their season at the state meet,” said Head Coach Greg Johnson. “This group has worked hard all season and continued to improve throughout the spring. Competing at the state meet is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are looking forward to seeing what they can do against the rest of the Class A field.”
