SIOUX FALLS – Flandreau’s girls track and field team tied for seventh place in the SDHSAA Class A girls division held May 23-25 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls. The Flier girls scored 29 points along with Canton for the tie. It’s the first time a Flier team has placed in the top eight since 2000.
“This girls team ignored their predicted score (21 pts) and earned four third place finishes (6 points each) and one fourth place finish (5 points) to total 29,” said Coach Owen Parsley.
“In nearly every single event, the Flier athletes did better than they were predicted (seeded), especially the girls, who set personal records in every one of their races,” he said.
“They broke four school records at State (Sprint Medley, 4x400, 1600 m run and 3200 m run) and broke seven school records in all this season (also 800 m run, 4x8 and javelin),” he added.
Sioux Falls Christian boys (68) and girls (130.5) won both divisions in Class A.
Both Flier 1600 sprint medley relay teams placed on the first day, Thursday, as the medley was ran as a final.
The boys team of Micah Otto, Ben Kulm, Paul Parsley and Brenton Westberry took eighth with a time of 3:42.88.

“The boys medley showed the importance of persistently competing, despite what heat they were in or their surroundings,” said Parsley.
“They took third in the middle heat and still beat out three teams in the fastest heat to finish eighth overall, despite their 14th place ranking. They are four fun, hard-working dudes who will all return next year and I can’t wait to see how they keep improving.”
The Sprint Medley foursome of Ella Hoffman, Kiley Westberry, Morgan Sheppard and Faith Wiese came in third (4:19.42) breaking their own school record and then after coming in sixth in the 4x400 relay prelims on Friday, the team of Wiese, Westberry, Hoffman and Sheppard came in fourth (4:05.76) in Saturday’s final event.
“Faith Wiese, in the distance events, is running in an historically amazing way,” said Parsley.
“I never want to take talent and work ethic like hers for granted, and Flandreau is blessed to have her on the squad.”
“Of special note was her incredible third place 5:02.59 1600M time in which she broke a state meet record, as did the two gals who finished in front of her. The state is so talented and fast, and Faith rightly belongs at the top of the pack.”
Wiese also finished third in the 3200 meter run (11:05.17, another SR) and Josie Hamilton, although not placing ran a great two mile run coming in 19th.
Just before running the 4x4, Morgan Sheppard came in third in the 400 meter run (59.37, just .27 off the school record). Her ranking was 7th.
The other lone place winner for the boys was Westberry. He came in eighth in the 400 meter run (50.93) while he was ranked 14th.
There were no seniors on either state squad.
“I’m so proud of the Fliers and I’m excited for the bright future ahead,” he concluded.