Five DeKalb Track and Field Athletes Qualify for TSSAA D1-AAA Sectionals

May 4, 2023
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Seniors Aaron Gottlied, Nolan Gottlied, Ally Beneke, along with juniors, Ella Van Vranken and Kaleb Spears, all qualified for advancement to the TSSAA D1-AAA Sectional Meet that will be held at Stewarts Creek High School on May 9th.

On May 1st at Franklin County High School’s Sub-Sectional meet, these athletes all placed in the top 4 in their events advancing them to the next round before States. Schools participating at sub-sectionals included: Franklin Co, Cookeville, Rhea Co, Warren, and Coffee Co. 3 individuals and one relay team from each school were allowed to enter into events.

In the field events, Nolan Gottlied placed 3rd in the discus with a personal best throw of 116 feet 10 inches, while high jumper, Ally Beneke, took home the win with a jump of 5 feet 6 inches!

For the boys running events, Kaleb Spears placed 1st overall in the 400 meters with a personal best of 51.65 seconds (school record holder) and 3rd in the 800 (2:09), while Aaron Gottlied placed 2nd in the 800 meter run (2:05) and the led his team to a 2nd place finish in the 4X800. Spears and Gottlied were also a part of the winning 4 X400 meter relay team with a time of 3:38 seconds, just shy of breaking the Warren County school record.

For the females, Ella Van Vranken sealed a first place win in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:26. She was also part of the 4X 400 meter relay team that broke the Warren Co. school record with a time of 4:28 seconds and took home first place.

Congratulations to these athletes!! In order to advance to the State Championship meet on May 25th, athletes need to place in the top 4 in their event at Sectionals on May 9th.

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