Lisbon boys’ track comes into 2024 as the defending Class 1A champions. Anybody thinking repeat?
“We return over half of our points from state,” Lisbon Coach Lonnie Speidel said. “The goal is to repeat. We have another good class of seniors and have athletes spread out in all different areas.”
Lisbon won the 1A title with 60 points last spring, its fourth title overall (2015, 2016, 2017, 2023). Columbus Community was runner-up with 52 points, and Lawton-Bronson was third with 43.
The Lions graduated half of their record-setting 4×100 relay, and three from its record-setting shuttle hurdle team. They said goodbye to Kaden Caspers, Luke Czarnecki, Ben Morningstar and Cohen Kamaus.
But returning are junior Tiernan Boots and senior Baylor Speidel from the 4×100, and junior Gage Holub from the shuttle hurdle.
“The shuttle is one relay where we are looking for guys,” Speidel said. “We need guys we can pair with Gage and see if that can be a success, again.”
And the second-place 4×200 unit has all four runners back – Boots, junior Dakota Clark, senior Reid Firdley and Speidel.
“That’s obviously going to be a really strong relay,” Speidel said.
But the Lions should have strong relays all over the place.
“Especially in sprints,” Speidel said. “We think we can be really good this year.”
Coach Speidel – who won a title in his first season with the Lions, having coached college track 10 years earlier – thinks Lisbon will be a contender again.
“You’ve got to stay healthy, and at state, things can go wrong,” Speidel said. “We didn’t have a perfect meet last year, but you have to have a lot of things go right. You have to have a little luck as well.”
The senior class will lead the way – Baylor Speidel in sprints, Michael Gadberry in the middle distances, and Jonah Reiling in throws.
“Those three guys are going to be at the forefront of how successful we are this year,” Speidel said.
Plus, the Lions have some athletes “waiting in the wings” including a couple “really good” freshmen. He mentioned Anthony Armstrong.
“Some will be contributors right away,” Speidel said.
LION BOYS
2023 state finish – First in 1A.
Returning state participants – Baylor Speidel, sr. (100, 200, 4×100, 4×200); Tiernan Boost, jr. (100, 4×100, 4×200, distance medley); Michael Gadberry, sr., (800, 4×800, distance medley); Jonah Reiling, sr. (shot put); Gage Holub, jr. (shuttle hurdle); Dakota Clark, jr. (4×200); Reid Fridley, sr. (4×200); Wesley Sadler, jr. (4×800); Brody Speidel, so. (4×800)

Gallery • 2 Photos

--Courtesy photos Jennifer TIscher

Lisbon’s Tiernan Boots races in the 60 meter dash at the Class 1A indoor meet in Ames.