Journal staff

Friday's first day of the Class A meet was run under thickening skies and falling temperatures, but the thinclads escaped any rain. Officials said Saturday's finals in Sioux Falls likely would see a better chance of rain later in the day.

"It's a concern," said Ruth Rehn of the South Dakota High School Activities Association. "We'll wait and see what the weather guru says, but we may have to move up the schedule to avoid any problems later in the day."

- St. Thomas More's Caitlin Duffy struggled during her first state meet appearance in the triple jump, scratching in her first two attempts, and then failing to qualify for the finals with a 32-6 effort.

- Trevor Lopour and Zach Williamson both of Stanley County, were second and third in the high jump behind Vlastuin. Lead-Deadwood's Tanner Adler was fifth, one of three jumpers at 6-1.

- Hill City's Mariah Asheim, Stephanie Qualm, Alise Kelting and Jessica McDonald finished fourth in the girls 3,200 relay. Asheim, Kayla McDonald, Qualm and Jessica McDonald qualified seventh for today's 1,600 relay finals.

- Belle Fourche's Tanner Willard placed second in the pole vault, with a 12-9 effort.

- Todd County's Marc Whirlwind Soldier, Jaden Allen, Wes Running and Gunnar Krogman finished fifth in the boys 3,200 relay. Whirlwind Soldier placed third in the 3,200 run.

- St. Thomas More's 400 relay team (Landon White, Casey Conor, Nathan Jacobson and David Schaffer) qualified fourth for the 400 relay finals.

- Defending champion Jordan Wohlleber of Cheyenne-Eagle Butte placed second in the 3,200 run. Hot Springs' Kara Powell made the podium with an eighth-place finish in the girls high jump. Maree Fleming of Custer placed seventh in the girls shot put. Belle Fourche's Jordan Schneider and Kirsten Goeringer tied for sixth in the girls pole vault at 8-6.