DES MOINES — Grundy Center has become accustomed to relay success in recent memory. Off the back of their 2nd place state finish in the 4×400 last year, Grundy’s time of 3:21.73 stood as their school record. For 11 the record held as the peak of their 1600 relay success, that was until the quartet of Brayden Davie, Bradyen Wallis, Brody Zinkula, and Judd Jirovsky set the previous record ablaze.

The quartet returned three of four members from last year’s 2nd place state team with Tate Jirovsky being switched for Judd Jirovsky.

Davie led off for the Spartan’s with a good carry, getting the stick handed off to Wallis in third place. On the third leg Brody Zinkula moved the baton into second before an exciting last hundred from Judd Jirovsky secured the heat win for the quartet.

Rushed off the track into the media room, the group rallied through emotions and physical comfort, waiting for the results of the third and final heat to conclude. Two of the four members expelled the contents of their stomachs, a mixture of exhaustion and nerves seemed to be the case.

Though taking over a second off their previous record, the Spartans missed the finals by about a second.

Lead leg Brayden Davie summed up his feelings in a single sentence.

“I’m pumped we got the school record but I’m also disappointed we didn’t get a shot to run in the finals tomorrow.”

Handoff mishap slows Spartans

The 4×100-meter prelims on Saturday morning provided a chance at redemption for two of the four relay runners. Both Davie and Zinkula doubled back a little more than 12 hours after their last race.

Davie led off once again, getting the stick to Ryker Thoren. A mishap between Thoren and Devin Hinders stalled the momentum, slowing the group down enough to keep them from advancing to the finals.

Zinkula finished the relay, crossing the line in 44.40, one-hundredth faster than their 22nd place at state last year in the event.

He outlined the good and the bad after the race.

“It’s unfortunate the handoff between Ryker and Devin slowed us down, but it’s still a solid time and I know we can go a lot faster.”