Thursday (5/9) is going to be a busy day in high school sports.  Regional track and field meets take place where boys and girls can qualify for the state track meet.  Oskaloosa and Knoxville will be in a Class 3A qualifier at Dallas Center-Grimes, while Pella and Newton are at a 3A regional in Gilbert and Grinnell travels to Benton Community for a 3A qualifier.  Sigourney hosts a Class 1A region meet with North Mahaska, Tri-County, Montezuma, Sigourney, Keota, Pekin and Lynville-Sully among the competitors.  And EBF hosts a Class 2A region meet, with Albia, EBF, Pella Christian, PCM and Chariton among the competitors.  Ottumwa’s track teams travel to Iowa City High School for a 4A regional.

Knowing who qualifies for state track is complicated.  In Classes 3A and 2A, the top two in each event at regionals qualify….along with the next eight from around the state.  In 1A, it’s the region champions who qualify with the next 14 statewide.  And in Class 4A, the top two in each event plus the next 12 overall from around the state qualify for the state track meet May 16 through 18.