DES MOINES - Winning a state long jump title just wasn't enough to satisfy Josh Markert.
The Manson Northwest Webster junior etched his name in the record books by setting a new Class 1A state mark with a leap of 23-6.5 Thursday afternoon at Drake Stadium.
With his banner efforts, Markert moved into 12th on the state's all-time list, breaking the previous record of 23-2.5 set last year by Madrid's Nick Efkamp.
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Messenger photo by Doug Dornath
Manson Northwest Webster’s Josh Markert sets a Class 1A?state record with his winning long jump effort at the state track meet on Thursday in Des Moines. For more photos, visit CU?at www.messengernews.net
Turning in a runner-up performance yesterday was Pekin's Bryce Sines (22.05.50).
"I didn't do very well here last year (Markert posted a throw of 18-11.50 in 2011), but I got a lot stronger by lifting weights and was hoping to win it," said Markert, whose previous best jump was 21-09. "Everything went perfect. It was an unbelievable and amazing feeling."
Junior Brody Eischeid also captured gold for the Cougars in the 400, clocking a 49.98. Adam Striegl (50.26) of Tri-County was next in line.
Entering today's action, defending state runner-up Manson Northwest Webster sits atop the 1A team standings with 20 points, followed by Council Bluffs St. Albert (16).
Webster City
Keagan Parks, a senior, delivered the best times in both the 3A 100 prelims (11.25) and 200 prelims (22.55). Parks grabbed bronze in the 100 (11.44) here a year ago.
"Keagan has high expectations, but the first step was getting through the prelims for him," WCHS head coach Tony Bussan said.
Freshman Cal Zahn of the Lynx also tied for eighth in the high jump (6-0.0) with Vinton-Shellsburg's Kelyn Rickels and Washington's Jake Redlinger. Sergeant Bluff-Luton's Austin Krohn (6-06) took home top honors.
"I am very pleased with Cal," said Bussan. "He was the only freshman in the competition, and getting a state medal caps off a great season for him."
West Bend-Mallard
Finishing fifth in 1A for the Wolverines was the 4x800 relay crew of sophomore Jesse Zinnel, sophomore Jason Zinnel, sophomore Nathan Grimm and junior Aaron Montag (8:26.98). St. Albert (8:13.46) ended up prevailing.
Humboldt
Senior Jayson Edge was eighth in the 3A discus for Humboldt, firing a throw of 152-03. Atlantic's Tyler Hovey (187-09) earned the victory and established a new state record in the process.
Algona
Michael Erpelding, a Bulldog senior, was eighth in the 3A 100 prelims with a time of 11.63.
Contact Josh Meyer at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net