In this week’s edition of Lots O’ Stuff, we have some news about the Jackson County Central track and field teams, racing makes its debut, and then there are baseball items.
Track and field
The JCC track and field program had one of the better seasons in school history.
The girls won four meet titles during the season including the section true team title to qualify for its first-ever state meet. Both the girls and boys later won a section title for the first time in more than a decade.
The Huskies sent 10 athletes to the state meet in 10 events.
JCC set four school records and three freshman records. The Huskies had 23 honor roll performances and 10 freshman Top 5 performances.
The girls earned academic all-state Gold honors (3.75 and above grade point average, and the boys earned a Silver award (3.5-3.75).
A total of eight student-athletes earned academic all-state honors.
For the girls it was Payten Benda, Payton Hanson, Elsa Landherr, Elese Paplow and Daysia Tomlin. Boys were Kie Anderson, Quinn Landherr and Gabe Wolff.
Also, Rafe York was named Section 2A girls Coach of the Year.
High Bank Nationals
Before the final night of the inaugural High Bank Nationals started Saturday night at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, some big plans were announced for next year’s second annual event.
This year’s event was held over three nights and next year’s is scheduled for four. Dates are June 21-24, 2023.
Next year’s event will pay a staggering $250,000 to win and the overall purse will also expand.
“I’m thrilled to say we’re bringing the biggest race in Sprint Car history to Brandon, South Dakota next year,” said Tod Quiring, who owns Huset’s Speedway and also Jackson Motorplex.
“We’ve had a vision for several years now of growing a specific race at this place into elite status, and I believe we’ve found just that with the High Bank Nationals. This is going to be a can’t miss event. I hope everyone comes out to support us next year and enjoy the immaculate facility we have at Huset’s.”
Drivers will compete for big dollars throughout the four-day event next year with Saturday’s finale paying $5,000 to start.
The $250,000 payday for the winner will be the biggest in sprint car history.
Eldora’s Mopar Million pays $200,000), the Knoxville Nationals $176,000 and Eldora’s Kings Royal $175,000.
Derek Shoen
Truman native Derek Shoen is hitting .327 in 15 games for the Mankato MoonDogs of the Northwoods League. He has 17 hits in 52 official at bats including three doubles and three home run. He’s tied for the team lead in homers.
Shoen also has walked 11 times and has an on-base percentage of .462. He has 12 runs batted in.
The MoonDogs have a 14-13 record and are in third place in the Great Plains West Division.
Mankato is at St. Cloud Sunday before playing at Waterloo Monday and Tuesday and then hosting Waterloo Wednesday and Thursday. The MoonDogs go to Rochester Friday and Saturday before being off July 3-5.
Luke Becker
Fairmont graduate Luke Becker has a .286 batting average for the Kentucky Wild Health Genomes of the independent Atlantic League. In 51 games he has 53 hits in 185 official at bats.
He has seven doubles, one triple and 10 home runs.
Here’s his ninth homer earlier this week:
The Genomes are 28-28 and in third place in the Atlantic League’s Southern Division.
They’re closing out a series vs. the Charleston Dirty Birds today, then go on the road for three at the Gastonia Honey Hunters and three in Charleston against the Dirty Birds.