STC’s Keith Keahna takes 5th in the High Jump at the State Track and Field meet held at Drake Stadium on Thursday, May 18. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

Visualizing he is doing everything right. That is the secret behind STC sophomore Keith Keahna’s fifth place high jump finish at the State Track and Field meet.

“What I usually do is picture myself doing the things right and doing the approach right and just seeing myself going over the bar,” said Keahna.

This is the second state appearance for the sophomore. Last year as a freshman he finished 13th with a jump of 6’1.

“It feels good. I’m just happy with myself right now,” said Keahna.

The weather at State track felt more like weather that usually plagues the Drake Relays. With temps only in the low 60’s and an overcast sky that threatened rain all day. For Keahna the elements play quite a big part in the high jump.

STC’s Allison Yuska finishes 11th in the open 400 on Thursday, May 18th at State at Drake Stadium. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

“The wind was at our back and that’s a factor. You just have to stay loose and stay prepared,” said Keahna.

Keahna showed major improvement from his freshman finish and proved that the sky is the limit for the Trojan jumper. He plans on attending a couple of high jump clinics in the off season and just continue to hone his craft.

“I just feel happy with my performance,” said Keahna, “getting fifth place as a sophomore at State is quite a big deal for our school and it’s just an honor.”

In girls action, sophomore Stacey Slaven also competed in the high jump. She cleared 5’2 but fell out of the competition at 5’4. But any jump at State was a good jump for the sophomore as it was her first appearance at the State meet.

Also competing on day one of the State meet were seniors Allison Yuska and Hunter Filloon both in the 400 open. It was the first of three events for Yuska. She also competed in the 400 hurdles and the shuttle hurdle relay.

STC’s Hunter Filloon finishes 23rd in the open 400 on Thursday, May 18th at State at Drake Stadium. Chronicle Photo/Allison Graham

Yuska finished 11th in the 400 M Dash. Her legs gave out a bit on her during the very fast paced lap but nonetheless she was fine with the finish.

“I surprise myself sometimes,” Yuska said. “I’m going to Wartburg next year, and sometimes my dad looks at their meets and sees where I’d be coming in at. And that’s fourth at some meets, and I just didn’t think I was that good, so I surprise myself sometimes,” said Yuska.

Yuska closed out her day on Thursday with the shuttle hurdle relay along with her sister Lauren, Stacey Slaven and Ashton Graham. They finished 18th with a 1:09.45 time in the prelims.

For senior Hunter Filloon he was hoping to set a pr after he qualified at districts. A few days before State he suffered a hip flexor injury during practice which held him back a bit at the State finals. He shifted his goal to finish the race which he did successfully. He came in 23rd with a time of 54.49.

“Considering my injury I’m really glad I got to run and it was nice to be here for my final year,” said Hunter.

More results from State Track can be found in the Tama News Herald.