History loves these Bison! McCook girls begin another quest

McCOOK, Neb. — Despite Wednesday’s weather, all these sure signs of spring sprinkled among McCook’s all-time track and field greats are anything but “snowflakes.”

Nope, the McCook High girls return a tested-strong-and more-determined-than-ever eight state qualifiers as they start another huge quest at Friday’s UNK Indoor Invitational.

Coach Brent May truly believes his last season coaching Bison girls should be one grand finale to cap 28 years— 12 being the head coach.

“Our roster of 40 athletes is around the same number as in past years, and we’re excited about the mix of experienced competitors and emerging talent,” May remarked. “Notably, nine returning athletes hold spots on our all-time top 10 lists in 20 different events—an impressive feat, given the high standards of our program.”

The Bison delivered four regular-season invite championships last spring including another Southwest Conference team title.

They placed a close runner-up at the B-6 district meet where four juniors from 2024 and four sophomores all qualified for Class B state.

They’re eight of nine returning letterwinners for May’s final season before retirement.

“We expect standout performances from both our seasoned veterans and our up-and-coming athletes,” May confirmed. “Their commitment to improvement has been evident. We are excited to see their progress unfold throughout the season.”

The UNK Indoor Invitational draws top athletes from all four classes with McCook competing vs. Class B on Friday.

They’ll hopefully build momentum for the first two outdoor meets at Aurora next week and McCook’s annual LeRoy Hoehner Invite on Friday, April 5.

McCook’s returning state talent covers a variety of crucial events.

Bortner has made state all three of her high school spring seasons.

She’s been a relentless force on the state 1600 and 3200-meter relays besides her own 800-meter efforts.

Juniors Emma Cappel and Brecken Gale both excel at long distance whether its 1600, 3200 or that state medalist 3200-meter Bison relay.

Sprinter Lacyn Keller has qualified twice for state while chasing 100 and 200-meter dash high places.

Junior Jaylea Walgren can clear hurdles with many of the best in Class B. She conquers both 100 highs and 300 intermediates en route to Burke last spring.

The Bison also boast two returning senior jumpers who made state to finish 2024.

Senior triple jumper Briley Morgan and senior long jumper Malia Hilker both soared into Burke Stadium last May.

They give McCook a tough and tested field-event duo. Sophomore Saraie Barber also lettered last spring while taking on jumps, sprints and relay running.

The Bison expect some other veterans and young new talent to deliver crucial points whether it’s throwing, pole vaulting or high jumping.

They must aim to replace graduated 2024 state medalist thrower Kori Rippen.

“We are confident in our team’s potential,” May confirmed.

Plus the coach can lean on valuable assistant coaches like Kristin Blume and Bill Ramsay, who are both reaching 23 seasons in this McCook track-field program.

Former All-Class Gold medalist and three-time relay Class B state champ Tara Peterman will assist one more season before assuming the head coaching duties from May.

May never forgets volunteer assistants Trevor Taylor, Janet Dutton and Evan Sestak.

“They donate a vast amount of time to improving our athletes,” the coach confirmed. “We have a strong foundation for what looks to be another great season for McCook girls track and field.”

Watch for a team photo and other details about all the McCook spring sports teams in an upcoming Gazette.