CCS boys track team setting standard in Class C

2016. 2017. 2021. 2022. 2023. 2024.
In eight years, six Class C track state championship trophies have been brought home from Omaha to Imperial.
While the girls’ team set the standard for excellence at Chase County, the boys’ team has cemented the school’s reputation as a track school with back-to-back state titles.
Not everything went the Longhorns’ way in May. Despite some bad luck and injuries, CCS overcame pre-meet predictions to claim this year’s state title by 14 points over its nearest competitor.
Senior Easton Fries set the tone for Chase County once again this year. Fries contributed to 38 points each of the last two years.
Classmates Jaret Peterson and Tyler O’Neil also brought points to this year’s team title. Jonathan Sosa has been a mainstay of Longhorn’s relays for two years as well.
Next year’s team will also need to replace state qualifying seniors James McArthur and 2023 Class C Pole Vault champion Mason Wallin, but CCS Head Coach Carl Zuege is optimistic about its future.
The Longhorns may not be done leaving their mark in Omaha.
Zuege pointed out that many of the athletes who finished ahead of Chase County performers this year were seniors, leaving several Longhorns, including Thomas Reeves and Kole Clevenger, in a position to lead Class C in 2025.
Zuege likes Chase County’s chances of staying at the top of Class C and not bumping up to Class B, leaving CCS athletes in prime position to score points at state next year.
After returning three legs of each of its relays this season, the Longhorns, at this point, can say the same for the 2025 season. It’s a great sign after all three relays contributed team points this year.
Time will tell what next season will bring. The 2024 season was proof that injuries can play a part in team success. A little luck and CCS track fans may have more to celebrate in their future.