Tyler Wanner Dominates Class B Distance Events To Lead Bowman County To Title; Ryder Bickett Breaks All-Time Javelin Record

By Mary Albl of DyeStat

Bowman County’s Taylor Wanner didn’t just show up — he showed out.

At the North Dakota State Track and Field Championships, held May 22–24 at the MDU Community Bowl, the senior made a statement that echoed across Class B. Wanner captured four gold medals and powered his team to the boys state title, contributing a staggering 40 points of the 62 to secure the championship.

Wanner repeated as the 800 champion, lowering his own Class B record to 1:52.90. He also went back-to-back in the 1,600 (4:18.49) and 3,200 (9:25.56). Wanner, who will join his brother Austin at North Dakota State this fall, was the anchor of the first-place 4x800 relay team (8:05.05). 

Other highlights for Class B included Carrington senior Ryder Bickett shattering the overall state record from 2007 in the javelin as he threw a personal best and current US#3 throw of 211-11. 

The Hillsboro/Central Valley girls took home the Class B crown putting up 58 points. Standout seventh grader Claire Grinde impressed by winning the 800 (2:14.54), 1,600 (5:06.96) and 3,200 (11:01.81) titles. 

In the sprints, Velva-Drake-Anamoose's Anya Olson had a record-setting day as the junior won the 100 in 11.56w and the 200 (23.73w). She also won the 400 (55.91), a Class B meet record. 

While it was first and last state meet, Century’s Will Ihmels made a quick and impactful impression for the Century boys track and field program. The standout distance runner, who moved with his sister Ruby from Boise, Idaho last fall, won the 1,600 (4:18.94), 3,200 (9:17.09) and was part of the third-place 4x800 to help Century secure the Class A state title. 

In the field, Dickinson's Blake Homiston set a new state meet record in the pole vault as he cleared 15-8.  

The Bismarck girls repeated as the Class A state champs as Ruby Ihmels won the 3,200 in a meet record time of 10:30.95, more than 45 seconds faster than the next runner. She also added a title in the 1,600 (4:46.90) and finished third in the 800.

West Fargo’s Michelle Gee tied the meet record in the 100, clocking 11.97. She also won the 200 (24.49) and 400 (56.52). Gee also ran on the winning 4x100 (48.56). 

In the field, Red River senior Sophie Brakke won the long jump in a meet record of 19-5.75, and finished second in the triple jump. 

Team Champions

Class A: Century boys 101 points; Bismarck girls 94.50 points - RESULTS

Class B: Bowman County boys 62 points; Hillsboro/Central Valley girls  58 points - RESULTS