Chargers’ Bryan qualifies for state track meet in three events, Blue Devils’ Venvertloh advances

MACKINAW, Ill. — Josie Bryan decided to try tripling jumping about three weeks ago.

It turns out she’s pretty good at it. State-level good in fact.

The Illini West junior track standout finished second in the triple jump during Thursday’s Class 1A Deer Creek-Mackinaw Sectional, leaping 10.15 meters to qualify for the girls state track and field championships taking place May 18-20 at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium in Charleston.

Bryan qualified for the state meet in three events. She won the 400-meter dash in 1 minute, 1.41 seconds, setting a personal best time in the event. She also finished second in the long jump with a leap of 5.24 meters.

The Chargers will also send two athletes to state in the high jump. Kennedy Gudding and Grace Goettsche each cleared 1.52 meters to finish first and second, respectively.

West Hancock is sending two athletes to state. Renee Blunier finished second in the 300 hurdles in 48.88 seconds, while Olivia Vrandenberg was second in discus with a toss of 28.72 meters.

At the Class 3A Bloomington Sectional, Quincy High School’s Anna Venvertloh advanced to state in the 400 dash, finishing third in 59.15 seconds. She also finished third in the high jump, clearing 1.52 meters.