Eagles soar to career bests, place high at state

Southern Valley junior Brianna Russell cleared the bar at a career-best 5'4" and earn her second Class C state medal after also placing in 2019 to cap her freshman season. Russell (below) shows the needed focus on her approach. Meanwhile, Eagle senior Clayton Berry finished his Eagle career in fine style with a second-place finish during both the 100-meter hurdles and long jump — both all-time bests. He added a fifth-place triple jump last weekend at Burke Stadium.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

OMAHA, Neb. — Southern Valley senior Clayton Berry delivered an awesome finale to his career with three Class C top five medals while junior Brianna Russell reached her career-best high jump and finished fourth overall on Saturday.

The S.V. boys took home a Top 10 team finish mainly because of Berry's two second places. Here's a quick recap of all Eagle performances in Omaha Burke Stadium

Boys

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Southern Valley totaled 20 points for 10th among all Class C teams.

110-meter hurdles: 1. D. Poppe, Laurel, 15.18; 2. Clayton Berry, SV, 15.2 (PR).

Long jump: 1. L. Olson, Battle Creek, 22'9 3/4"; 2. Berry, SV, 21'6 3/4" (PR).

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

Triple jump: 1. K. Shelbourn, Valentine, 43'9"; 5. Berry, SV, 42'6 1/4".

Girls

Southern Valley's girls scored 5 points to tie for 31st overall.

High jump: 1. J. Moss, Syracuse, 5'6"; 4. Brianna Russell, SV, 5'4" (PR).

400 meters: 1. B. McNair, Chase County, 57.18; 12. Brianna Quinn, SV, 1:01.39.