Both the Esko boys and girls teams claimed first place in the 2024 Section 7A track and field championships held at Malosky Stadium on Thursday. This means both squads are state bound.

The Esko girls tallied 91 points, just one ahead of Two Harbors with 90. The Esko boys earned 90 points, 16 ahead of second place Crosby-Ironton with 74.

There were 36 events to determine who qualified for an individual spot at state.

In the boys 200 meter dash, Mesabi East’s Evan James took first place in 22.99 seconds. Cromwell-Wright’s Dylan Nyberg finished second to also qualify for state.

In the girls 3200 meter run, Cromwell-Wright’s Emaleigh Olesiak blew away the competion with a winning time of 11:49.45. Lola Champlin of Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin finished second in 12 minutes 13.17 seconds.

In the boys 3200 meter run, Carlton/Wrenshall’s Jack Riley took first in 10 minutes 5.59 seconds. Alex Burckhardt of South Ridge/Cherry/North Woods finished second seven seconds later.

For full results, Click here. The state track and field meet is June 6-8 at St. Michael-Albertville High School.