Helias boys, girls set for sectional pressure

The competition surely will be more difficult next week at the state championships.

But the Helias Crusaders and Lady Crusaders may find the overall experience tougher today at the Class 3 sectional track and field meet in Marshfield.

"You've got a collapsed-time schedule, we're coming off a huge high by winning both the boys and girls district titles," Helias coach Tom Emmel said. "This is a one-and-done event.

"If you make it to state, everybody will remember you were a state qualifier."

The Helias boys will have 16 boys in 12 events today, while the girls have 11 qualifiers in nine events.

"As a general rule, if we can get half the people through to state, that's a good day," Emmel said. "That's still the goal."

The top four finishers in each event today will advance to the state championships next Friday and Saturday at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.