Lighting Strikes Twice

It was a night defined by both the flash of lightning and the speed of the Maquoketa Cardinals. While severe weather ultimately cut the West Delaware Invite short before the 400m hurdles could begin, the Cardinals had already left an indelible mark on the record books.

A 46-Year Record Falls Twice

The highlight of the evening came in the 400m dash, where a legendary school record was finally eclipsed. Since 1980, Korey Kruse’s time of 59.26 stood as the gold standard for Maquoketa sprinters. On Thursday night, not one, but two Cardinals surged past that historic threshold in the same race.

Natalie Hackman and Cora Widel turned the home stretch into a showcase of grit and speed. Hackman edged out Widel in the final five meters to claim first place with a staggering time of 58.33. Widel was right on her heels, crossing the line at 58.62. Hackman’s first-place time of now stands as the new school record. Widel also surged past the previous 1980 mark, crossing finishing in a stunning display of depth for the Maquoketa Cardinals.

Widel Wins 200m

Despite the quick turnaround after her incredible 400m performance, Cora Widel returned to the blocks just four races later for the 200m dash. She dominated the field, securing a first-place finish with a season-best time of 25.75.

The Cardinals also found success in the hurdles and field events:

• Justice Armbruster clocked a season-best 16.42 in the 100m hurdles to take 2nd place.

• Isabel Hopson earned a 2nd place finish in the High Jump, clearing 4-10.

• Millie Wing placed 8th in the Long Jump with a leap of 14-0.75.

Relay and Mid-Distance Results

The 4×800 relay team of Riley Buttz, Charlotte Ihns, Emrie Petersen, and Ella Gibson battled to a 4th place finish, timing in at 11:28.77. Buttz also doubled back in the open 800m run, placing 8th with a time of 2:48.64.

Hardin Represents Maquoketa at Drake Relays

While the team competed at West Delaware, distance standout Izzy Hardin took to the Blue Oval at the prestigious Drake Relays. Competing against the state’s elite, Hardin finished 9th in the 3000m run with a time of 10:06.16.

Hardin’s weekend isn’t over yet; she has qualified for the 1500m run, which is scheduled to take place this Saturday at 4:28 PM.

Full results: https://shannoneventtimings.anet.live/meets/69825/events