DES MOINES — Head coach Greg Thompson said he could not recall having as many as four events compete in the Drake Relays while he has been the Panorama head coach. Considering the proud history of the program, his remarks are high praise indeed.
Junior Morgan Johnk will be featured in three events, the first of which — the high jump — will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday.
The Drake Relays have all high school competitors compete against each other regardless of class, unlike the state meet. Johnk was 12th at the Drake Relays as a sophomore after clearing 5 feet, 2 inches, a height she matched to place fifth in the 2017 state meet. She enters with a qualifying height of 5’4 (in 2A she is tied for third).
She will return to Des Moines at 8 a.m. Friday for the 100 hurdles, in which she was fourth at the state meet last year in 16.17 seconds. She enters with a seed time of 15.66, the third fastest in 2A this season.
Lydia Knapp was seventh at the state meet last year in the discus with a spin of 120 feet, 6 inches, and enters Friday’s 9 a.m. competition with a season-best mark of 126’8, fourth farthest so far among 2A teams.
Also in action will be the 4×100 squad, which will run in a preliminary heat at 5:33 p.m. Friday, with the finals at 3:31 Saturday. Carson Fisher will fire from the blocks, handing the stick to Johnk, who will then make a pass to Bailey Beckman. Devyn Kemble will run the anchor leg for the Panthers, who qualified in 52.31 seconds.
Kassidy Bremer and Hope Arganbright will be on standby as alternates for the relay.
The regular season resumes for the Panorama girls Tuesday at the WCAC meet, hosted by Ogden.
