Mueller, Straber sisters Storm toward state

Despite some initial confusion, Creek Valley's Jessie Straber was the first of the Storm to qualify for state Wednesday at the Class D-11 District Championships at Morrill High School.

After freshman Jessie earned the trip by tying for second in the high jump, sister Jerry, a senior, soon claimed a nearby seat on the bus. Her runner-up finish in the triple jump earned a ticket to the dance.

The Storm finally completed their roster for the NSAA State Track and Field Championships when Summer Mueller earned her fourth pass to Omaha. She finished first in the pole vault then smashed her previous personal-best time of 49.07 in the 300 meter hurdles, winning the event by a wide margin.

While competing in the high jump at districts is nerve-racking enough, Jessie Straber was subject to some added drama. After she and two others cleared the bar at 4-08 on their third attempts, there was some confusion as to who would be representing the district at Burke.

"Nobody really knew what the rule was," said Straber. "But when they called the race director over he told us we had all qualified and we were all really happy to hear that."

Straber eventually finished in a three-way tied for second place with Anna McLaughlin of Garden County and Taylor Evans of Banner County. During the competition Straber preceeded the other two in the jumping order.

"It was really nerve-racking because we had all had personal bests of 4-10," said Straber. "After my misses at 4-10 I had to watch the others try and that was pretty stressful."

Jerry Straber endured some anxious moments, as well. When her first attempt turned out to be her best, she had to watch others try to best her mark. By the time the competition was over only one jumper managed the feat.

"I wouldn't have thought a 30-01 would be enough to get second," Straber said. "I'm pretty excited now, though. At state I would certainly like to do better than I did today."

Mueller didn't have to endure quite as much drama in earning her way to the dance. Though not her best, clearing the bar at 9-00 in the pole vault was more than enough to earn first place. Later in the day, when Mueller shattered her previous best in the 300 hurdles, the field proved no match. She won the event by nearly two seconds.

"I got 9-06 at districts last year and I was hoping to do at least that today," said Mueller of her effort in the pole vault. "Maybe at state it would take 10 or 10-06 to win. I think if I can work out a few tweaks - like being a little more patient - I can have a good day next week."

While none on the boys team qualified for state there were some close calls. Mason Low finished fourth in the discus with a throw that was just two feet short of second. He did one better in the shot put by finishing in bronze position. In the 200 meters, Keegan Michel was fourth.

Going to State

Jerry Straber

Jessie Straber

Summer Mueller