Peyton Cox medals for WP Broncos in Omaha

    Wauneta-Palisade senior Peyton Cox led a young contingent of Broncos to Omaha for the state track meet.
    Cox saved her best for last, jumping up the leader board from sixth to third with a throw of 39’6.25” for her final attempt. Cox qualified for finals by 0.25”.
    Head Coach Dawn Doetker said Cox did keep WP faithful on the edge of their seats.
    “But we knew with her experience and being a senior that she could pop a good throw. And she did,” Doetker added. Cox placed fourth at state last year.
    “We were very excited for her. She was very happy with what she did,” Doetker said.
    McKenna Doetker also represented WP as an individual at state.
    Coming out of the fastest district in the state, Doetker ran alongside eventual state champion Adysen McCarter in Friday’s prelims. Doetker missed out on finals with a prelim time of 13.01.
    “McKenna loves to set goals. She felt great going in with running with the DCS girl (Kayana Riley) in her heat. She learned what it was like to control her nerves and met new friendships that day,” Doetker said.
    “She said that she will be back next year! Great opportunity for her as well. She almost PR’d in her race. That is what we asked of her,” Doetker added.
    Sophomore Lillian Dinnel was unable to clear 4’8” in high jump after organizers paused the event to move the mats from the north side of the approach to the south.
    Dinnel had to change her mindset after the move, Doetker said, adding keeping the approach the same way and staying on the J is key.
    “I know that Lilly was disappointed not making her PR jump or placing but she had a great experience. I know she wishes she could do it all over again. She jumped with very great athletes in the state of Nebraska. We’re so proud of her,” Doetker said.
    Making it to state is so hard and all of these girls represented our school with pride and gaining the experience for next season, she continued.
    WP also took a young 400-meter relay team to Omaha, freshman Emma Acton, sophomores Cheyenne Parrish and Doetker and junior Izzy Stehno.
    Doetker said WP coaches felt the group ran well. The Broncos’ time of 53.51 was its second best of the season, right behind districts.
    “This experience was a great start and we talked afterwards about what we need to do for the next year. It was a great opportunity for everyone running with the best of the best and having such a big atmosphere,” Doetker said.
    The girls’ half of the Republican Plains Activities Conference was one of the best in the state.
    “RPAC was tough but districts was like a mini state meet. I felt it helped us going into Burke. There were amazing athletes from all over the state competing and it was amazing to watch them all. A memory the girls will never forget,” Doetker said.