Many of the best athletes in the state will compete. Two of the biggest names in the boys' competition are Justin Wickard of Scottsbluff and Luke Garringer of Kearney. Both are listed among the state's top 10 leaders regardless of class in three events according to the Omaha World-Herald's track and field chart. Wickard, who is headed to Utah State University this fall on a track and field scholarship, also has Class A's fastest time in the 300 intermediate hurdles at 38.9 seconds. Garringer, meanwhile, has been recording sizzling times in the middle to long distance races.
Every event has some great individuals.
Perhaps the most interesting event on the boys side, though, is the triple jump, which includes four of the top 10 jumpers in the state. Although the meet includes many top-notch track and field programs, Kearney again is favored to capture its 13th straight GNAC title. The Bearcats haven't finished lower than first in the GNAC meet since 1988, when Norfolk won the title by 24 points over Kearney. The Bearcats also claimed GNAC titles in 1987 and 1986. Not only has Kearney been a force in the GNAC, the Bearcats have been tough to knock off at the state meet.