Drake Stadium was buzzing with energy as the Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships delivered a thrilling afternoon session filled with record-breaking performances and standout victories. Athletes from across the state showcased their skill, speed, and strength, setting new state records and cementing their place in Iowa sports history.
Hosted at the iconic Drake University, the annual state meet brings together top talent from all classes (1A–4A) to compete in track and field events that determine the fastest and strongest student-athletes in Iowa. The latest afternoon session, held under sunny skies, proved to be one of the most electrifying in recent memory.
Girls Make Headlines with New State Records
One of the biggest highlights came in the girls’ Class 1A 3,000-meter run, where Lili Denton of Council Bluffs St. Albert crushed a 12-year-old state record. Denton clocked in at 9:42.04, making her one of the top 10 fastest high school runners in Iowa’s history and placing her 13th nationally this season. Her powerful finish left the crowd in awe.
In the field events, Delilah Subsin of Ottumwa stunned the Class 4A discus field with a monumental throw of 158 feet, 8 inches, breaking a record that had stood since 2008. The crowd erupted as her throw secured her spot in the record books and sparked celebration on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, in the Class 4A girls’ 3,000-meter run, sophomore Piper Messerly of Dallas Center-Grimes earned the gold with a time of 9:52.08, ranking her fourth fastest in Iowa and 33rd in the nation this year. Not far behind in 3A, Marissa Ferebee of Pella defended her title with a winning time of 9:51.96, showcasing consistent dominance in long-distance running.
In relay action, Pleasant Valley’s girls’ team defended their 4×800-meter title with a time of 9:00.75, marking the second-fastest performance ever in Iowa state history. Similarly, Gilbert High School’s 4×800-meter relay team set a new Class 3A record with a blazing 9:14.60 finish.
Boys Leave Their Mark with Sub-9 Performances and Speed Records
On the boys’ side, the distance races were just as competitive. Owen Marett of Des Moines Roosevelt claimed the Class 4A 3,200-meter title with an impressive time of 9:00.17. His performance was closely mirrored in Class 3A, where Quentin Nauman of Western Dubuque broke the elusive 9-minute barrier with 8:57.97, etching his name into Iowa’s elite runner list.
In the sprints, Jashua Anglo of Johnston clocked 47.60 seconds to win the Class 4A 400-meter dash, showcasing elite-level speed that left his competition trailing. Another big moment came when Ankeny High School captured the Class 4A 4×800-meter relay title with a jaw-dropping finish of 7:39.94, dominating the track and crowd attention.
Field Events Feature Future Stars
The field events also brought standout moments. In the Class 4A high jump, Bernard Grant of Iowa City High cleared 6 feet, 5 inches to claim the title. On the girls’ side, Reese Wagner, a sophomore from North Polk, won the Class 4A high jump by clearing 5 feet, 8 inches on her second attempt—an exceptional display of poise and power.
In the discus ring, Nolan Dempsey of Davenport West claimed gold with a massive 177-foot, 2-inch throw in Class 4A. For Class 1A long jump, Giovanni Garcia of West Hancock took top honors with a winning leap of 22 feet, 2.75 inches, demonstrating agility and technique.
What’s Next for the Championships?
With more events scheduled through the weekend, fans can expect even more action and potential record-breakers. From hurdles to sprints to pole vault, the Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships continue to be a celebration of young athletic talent and hard-earned glory.
Spectators, coaches, and families are encouraged to follow real-time results and athlete standings on the official Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) State Meet Central portal. The platform offers schedules, live updates, and result breakdowns across all classes and events.
Watch the Highlights
For fans unable to attend in person, highlight videos and livestream coverage are being shared through local media and social platforms. Check YouTube and local news sites to catch all the high-flying, fast-running, and record-breaking moments.
The 2025 Iowa High School State Track Meet has already proven to be one of the most competitive and record-setting championships in recent memory. With top-tier athletes like Denton, Subsin, Marett, and Messerly rising to the occasion, it’s clear that Iowa’s future in track and field is bright and thriving.