As the 2025 track season approaches, the Roland-Story track and field team is primed for another impressive year following a strong showing in 2024. With several standout performers returning and key relay teams gaining state-level experience, the Norsemen are set to make their mark across multiple events this spring.
Building on 2024 Success
The 2024 season saw a mix of breakthrough performances and seasoned leadership that laid the foundation for future success. Several athletes posted season-best times and distances that rank among the top in program history.
Sprint Stars to Watch
Leading the charge in the sprint events is Fiston Carlson, who clocked an impressive 11.50 seconds in the 100m dash at the NP Comet Relays, with teammate Ben Mazyck close behind at 11.67 seconds. In the 200m dash, Sam Knoll led the way with a 23.39-second performance at the State Qualifier Meet. With off-season development, these sprinters have the potential to break into elite territory, edging closer to the program's all-time best marks of 10.99 seconds (100m) and 22.02 seconds (200m).
Distance Runners Gaining Strength
Roland-Story’s distance crew also put up solid numbers in 2024. Junior Evan Voga emerged as a key contender, running 4:45.38 in the 1600m and 10:41.87 in the 3200m. With another year of training, Voga and fellow distance runner Corben Lucchesi will look to push their times further in pursuit of state-meet qualifications.
Hurdles: A Program Strength
One of the team’s biggest assets heading into 2025 is its strength in the hurdles. Jayden Strum had a standout season, running 15.76 seconds in the 110m hurdles and an impressive 57.4 seconds in the 400m hurdles, which now ranks 5th all-time in school history.
Strum, alongside fellow hurdler Jake Berggren (16.09s in the 110m hurdles), will be a key factor in both individual races and the highly competitive shuttle hurdle relay that returns all relay members and alternates.
Relay Teams on the Rise
Roland-Story’s relay squads gained valuable experience at the 2024 state meet and will be looking to improve upon those results in 2025. The 4×100m relay team of Carlson, Mazyck, McIlrath, and Knoll posted a 44.01-second finish at the state meet, showing the team’s ability to compete at a high level. Meanwhile, the 4×200m team ran an impressive 1:33.12 at the North Polk Coed Invite.
Another highlight was the shuttle hurdle relay team of Berggren, Long, Barber, and Strum, which clocked 1:02.36 at the state meet. With this group returning, expectations are high for an even stronger performance in 2025.
Meanwhile, the 4x800m relay team of Kilstofte, Clark, Dahlsten, and Voga had a great run at the State Qualifying Meet of 8:29.83 and with two returning members as well as several alternates this group seems poised to break the 8:20 barrier and make some noise at the State Meet in 2025.
Field Events: A Key Factor in Success
The Norsemen also showcased strength in field events, led by Cody Long, who jumped 20’5.75” in the long jump, making him one of the top returners in the state. Roland Yates dominated in the discus, throwing 130’2”, while William Zamzow led the shot put squad with a mark of 41’6.75”. These athletes will play a critical role in securing valuable team points at major meets.
Recognizing 2024 Award Winners
Several standout athletes received recognition for their exceptional performances in 2024. Brayden Kilstofte was awarded the Coaches Award, while Boaz Clark earned the title of Senior MVP. Evan Voga and Jake Berggren tied for the Junior MVP, Jayden Strum was named Sophomore MVP, and Carter Barber claimed Freshman MVP honors.
Multiple athletes qualified for both the IHSAA State Meet and the Drake Relays, including Jake Berggren, Sam Knoll, Heston McIlrath, Casey Spainhower, and Fiston Carlson. Their success at these prestigious meets signals a bright future for the program.
Chasing History: How They Stack Up Against Roland-Story Legends
Looking at Roland-Story’s all-time records, the current roster is on pace to challenge some of the program’s best performances. Strum’s 400m hurdle time is already among the top five in school history, and Cody Long’s long jump performance is approaching the school’s top 5 mark of 21’9”. All of 2024's 4 x 100m Relay group (runners and alternates) is back in 2025 and their 44.01 puts them just outside of Roland-Story's Top 5 times.
Additionally, Long’s indoor long jump mark of 20-05.75” ranks 2nd all-time for Indoor Roland-Story history, while Fiston Carlson’s 7.38-second 60m dash ranks 4th Indoor all-time. These achievements highlight the potential for record-breaking performances in the upcoming season.
2025 Outlook: Poised for Success
With a mix of returning state qualifiers, rising underclassmen, and experienced relay squads, Roland-Story is shaping up to be a formidable force in the 2025 track and field season. If the team can refine race strategies, improve relay exchanges, and build on last season’s strong performances, they have a legitimate shot at conference title and state meet success.
The countdown to the season is on, and all signs point to an exciting year ahead for the Norsemen!