BY JIM MISUNAS

jmsunas@gbtribune.com

WICHITA — Ellinwood's reigning triple-event state champion Reagan Wirtz earned back-to-back 2A state track and field championships in the 100 meters (12.19) and long jump (18-71/2).

"My biggest challenge is staying focused and in the right mindset," WIrtz said. "Your adrenaline is going crazy and the pressure is high. Everyone is talented, so you have to trust yourself and execute.

"Competing at state last year definitely contributed and helped," she said. "I felt more comfortable with the atmosphere and knew what to expect. That allowed me to be relaxed instead of overwhelmed in the moment."

Wirtz had posted the second-fastest 100 time (12.11) behind Hoxie's Camryn Gourley (12.02).

"During my 100 I felt confident going in," she said. "I had to stay focused and perform at my best. I powered out of the blocks and stayed strong."

Wirtz posted the fastest 200-meter qualifying time (25.4), but Sterling's Julia Kilgore (24.82) captured the 2A state title.

"My 200 was my most challenging race," she said. "Julia is an amazing athlete and person. I know I need to be at my best, and I have lots of respect for her. I congratulated Julia on her amazing accomplishment. In the moment, I was proud of everyone who competed."

Wirtz took charge of the long jump competition.

"The long jump is special because there's so much technique involved," she said. "I started off rocky, but overcame the pressure and executed. I didn't get a meet record because of the wind."

The daughter of Kendra Wirtz and Ryan Wirtz has earned five gold medals.

Wirtz holds school records in the 100 (12.11), 200 (24.98) and long jump (19-3 3/4).

"I’m grateful how things turned out," she said. "It motivates me to keep improving. I’m glad I got to represent my school and make others proud."

Wirtz was a member of Ellinwood's unbeaten 2A state volleyball championship and runner-up 2A state basketball team.

"Day two belonged to Wirtz," said Ellinwood track coach Jeff Zook. "She lowered her school record in the 100 (12.11) and followed that performance with a state championship. Wirtz soared 18'-7½" to claim her second state title. She added eight team points with a runner-up 200 meters, clocking a season-best 25.05."

Ellinwood's 3,200m girls relay placed fifth (10:04.53) with Lexi Thomas, Avery Panning, Ayla Ritchie and Eleanor Joiner.

Ellinwood's girls scored 37 points to place fourth just off the trophy stand behind Hoxie (51), Inman (44) and Smith Center (40).

"Ellinwood capped an outstanding season with an impressive showing at the state track and field meet, highlighted by individual champions, personal records, and a girl's team fourth-place finish," Zook said.

Senior Gabe Martinez cleared a personal-best 13-0 in the pole vault to earn fifth place.

"The mark represented an incredible 18-inch improvement from where he began the season," Zook said. "It was a fitting finish to his high school career."

"Distance runner Ryan Pohlman turned in one of the grittiest performances of the meet in the 3,200 meters," Zook said. "Pohlman sliced 13 seconds off his personal best, battling to place 9th, missing the medal stand by 0.16 seconds."

Avery Panning made her first state finals appearance, finishing 9th in the 300-meter hurdles.

Eleanor Joiner placed 10th in the 800 (2:26.97). In the 1,600, Joiner finished 12th (5:43.02) and Pohlman placed 15th (4:52.5).

The girls' 3,200-meter relay Lexi Thomas, Avery Panning, Ayla Ritchie, and Eleanor Joiner delivered a season's best 10:04.53, earning fifth place.

"Wirtz, Thomas, Ritchie, and Joiner battled to a 4th-place 1,600-meter relay finish, lifting the Eagles to fourth place capping an exceptional weekend for Ellinwood track and field," Zook said.

ELLINWOOD

FRIDAY—pole vault—5TH—Gabe Martinez, *13-0; 300m hurdles—9TH—Avery Panning, 49.45; 200m—1ST—Reagan Wirtz, 25.4; 1,600m girls relay —5TH Q—Reagan Wirtz, Lexi Thomas, Ayla Ritchie, Eleanor Joiner, 4:12.53; 3,200m—9TH—Ryan Pohlman, *10:23.0

SATURDAY—100m—2ND Q—Wirtz, 12.11; 100m—1ST—Wirtz, 12.19; 200m—2ND—Wirtz, 25.05; 800m—10TH—Joiner, 2:26.97; 1,600m—12TH—Joiner; 5:43.03; 1,600m—15TH— Pohlman, 4:52.5; 1,600m girls relay —4TH—Reagan Wirtz, Lexi Thomas, Ayla Ritchie, Eleanor Joiner, 4:13.31; 3,200m girls relay—5TH—Lexi Thomas, Avery Panning, Ayle Ritchie, Eleanor Joiner, *10:04.53; long jump—1ST—Wirtz, 18-71/2