Roland-Story Boys T&F Returns Record-Setting Core After Historic Qualifier Title

Feb 22
4 min read

Story City, IA — When a program wins a State Qualifying Meet championship, it signals more than just a good night. It signals depth.

Roland-Story did exactly that last spring, capturing the State Qualifying Meet team title for the sixth time in school history, sending 11 events to the IHSAA State Track & Field Championships and reasserting itself as one of Class 2A’s most consistent programs.

Now, as the 2026 season begins, much of the production that fueled that championship run returns — including record holders and multiple top-five performers in school history.

“We proved we can score across the board,” head coach Brian Petersen said. “Now the challenge is raising the ceiling.”

Record Setters Return

Three school records fell in 2025 — and key members of those record-breaking groups are back.

4x200 Relay — 1:30.06 (School Record)

Tristen Crabbs and Fiston Carlson return after helping run the fastest 4x200 time in program history. That 1:30.06 mark placed seventh at state and now stands as the school standard. Luke Thoreson, Isaac Miskell, and Jayden Strum all return as alternates in this event as well. Ben Mazyck was a mainstay in this event prior to injury late in April.

Sprint Medley Relay — 1:35.59 (School Record)

Crabbs and Carlson were also a part of the record-setting sprint medley team that posted a 1:35.59 — another all-time best. Luke Thoreson, Isaac Miskell, and Jayden Strum all return as alternates in this event as well.

Shuttle Hurdle Relay — 1:01.16 (School Record)

Jayden Strum Carter Barber, and Cody Long return from the 36-inch shuttle hurdle relay that ran 1:01.16, the fastest in Roland-Story history. Logan Crank, Gabe Jonas, and Brady Long all return as alternates in this event.

Those aren’t just solid times — they are historically elite within the program.

5 of 6 Top-Five Marks Return in 2026

Beyond school records, six performances entered the Roland-Story all-time Top 5 list last season. Several of those athletes headline this year’s senior class.

Cody Long — Long Jump (21’10.25”)

Long’s 21-foot, 10.25-inch jump ranks #4 in school history and puts him within striking distance of the top three. With another offseason of strength development, he enters 2026 as one class 2A's premier jumpers.

Jayden Strum — 110m High Hurdles (15.21)

Strum’s 15.21 clocking ranks #5 all-time at Roland-Story. He returns as a proven conference and state-level hurdler.

4x200 Relay — #1 All-Time

Sprint Medley Relay — #1 All-Time

Shuttle Hurdle Relay — #1 All-Time

All three relay records include returning athletes who now enter their seasons with experience on Drake Stadium’s blue track.

“When you’ve already run those times, you know it’s possible,” Petersen said. “That changes how you train.”

Sprint Depth Could Be the Difference

The Norsemen’s speed unit may once again be their calling card.

Senior Tristen Crabbs returns after posting a 23.22 in the 200 meters last season. Juniors Fiston Carlson, who clocked 11.28 in the 100 meters, and Ben Mazyck, who ran 2 of the fastest sprint splits all season last year give Roland-Story additional explosive short sprint options.

Add in returning contributors Luke Thoreson, Isaac Miskell, Carter Barber, Logan Smith, Brady Long, and Brody Kilstofte, and the relay combinations become a weekly competition. This crew all looks to take the next step in following the success of those strong sprint groups that have left.

Last year’s 4x100 ran 43.82 at state — a time that would be competitive in any meet on the schedule this spring.

Hurdles and Jumps Offer High-End Scoring

Strum’s 15.21 in the 110 hurdles positions him as one of the HOIAC and 2A top returning hurdlers. Cody Long and Carter Barber add depth in the hurdle events.

In the long jump, Long’s 21’10.25” places him within inches of historic territory. With improved approach consistency, coaches believe he can challenge even higher marks this season.

Distance Group Building Toward Breakthrough

The Norsemen will look to rebuild key distance points after graduation, but juniors CJ Lucchesi (10:04.71 in the 3200m last season), Henry Dahlsten, as well as sophomore Colin Willis give the team a competitive core.

Lucchesi’s 10:04 performance put him just outside the school’s all-time Top 5 list — and with continued progression, that barrier could fall in 2026.

Throwers Provide Stability, Upside — and Competitive Edge

The throwing events often determine qualifying meet outcomes — and Roland-Story returns experience in both circles.

Chance Georgius — Discus (123’4”)Georgius enters the season after posting a 123-foot, 4-inch mark last year. With another year of strength development and technical refinement, he gives the Norsemen a dependable scorer in the discus.

Gavin Jeter — Discus (116’6”) Jeter also returns after surpassing 116 feet, providing depth and competitive push within the event group.

Both Georgius and Jeter are multi-sport athletes whose competitive habits extend beyond the track season. That year-round training — whether in the weight room, on the mat, or on the field — continues to shape the toughness and discipline that often defines Roland-Story’s throwing program.

“Our guys compete in everything they do,” head coach Brian Petersen said. “That multi-sport background builds strength, coordination, and a competitive mindset you can’t replicate in just one season.”

Together, Georgius and Jeter give Roland-Story proven production in the discus and valuable qualifying meet points. With another offseason of development already behind them, the expectation is that both athletes will push their marks even further this spring.

“In qualifying meets especially, throws matter,” Petersen said. “Having experienced, competitive guys back is big.”