Moorhead Spuds
Track + Field
Issue #4  ·  Spring 2026
Spud Track Newsletter
State Stage, Section Bound
The Spuds earned their place at True Team State, swept three meets on the road and at home, and now turn toward the Section 8AAA Championship.
From the Coaches
Coach's Comments
Spud Track seniors · Photo by Renee & Bill Grover

We have been blessed with much to celebrate in recent weeks, and even better, we still have tons to look forward to in the final weeks of the season!

Two weeks ago, nearly 200 Spuds competed at home at the Moorhead Invitational on Tuesday, May 12. Just three days later, our athletes delivered many season and personal-best performances at the True Team State Meet, one of Minnesota's premier track and field showcases. It was particularly rewarding to compete in an environment that emphasized the value of TEAM. The girls earned a top-five finish for the second consecutive year, while the boys placed 9th against outstanding competition from across the state.

Last Wednesday's Bemidji Invitational was another outstanding celebration of our team. For some seniors, it marked a final opportunity to compete in a Spud uniform. We are proud of the growth, leadership, and relationships built with this group over the years. We are excited not only for the opportunities that remain this season, but also for the future successes these seniors will experience beyond the track.

We are grateful for the incredible opportunities our student-athletes have had to compete, improve, and grow throughout the season. Looking ahead, this week's Section 8AAA Championship presents major opportunities for both individual and relay success across many event groups on the girls and boys teams. Approaching the meet with the accountability, enthusiasm, and team spirit developed throughout the season will make us proud. We know the next steps in the 2026 track and field season will be awesome!

-Coach Hanson

Core Values
Spud Shoutouts
Athletes demonstrating Spud Track & Field core values in meets, practice, and as student athletes. These athletes have received a shoutout from their coaches at practice.
Accountability
  • Elena Hamre
  • Flora Nelson
  • Arella Lee
  • Logan Walkins
  • Isaac LaVoi
  • Steven Carlson
  • Sam Mitzel
  • Leif Smith
  • Jackson Nelson
  • Riley Asleson
  • Dylan Riepe
Opportunity
  • Wyatt Myklebust
  • Emon Mohammad
  • Deelan Mohammad
Excellence
  • Micah Blake
  • Lillian Humeniuk
Stay tuned for more shoutouts as the season progresses.
The Week Ahead
Section 8AAA
Prelims Wed, May 27 · Brainerd  |  Finals Sat, May 30 · St. Michael-Albertville

The Spuds head into the Section 8AAA meet to close out the season against a strong field. Moorhead will be joined by Elk River, Monticello, St. Michael-Albertville, Sartell, Alexandria, Bemidji, and Brainerd, with St. Michael-Albertville and Brainerd among the section's strongest teams and others bringing strong individuals of their own. It sets up a competitive day, with trips to the next round on the line.

School Record
Boys 4x100 Relay
42.02   Zak Walker, Madison Suah, Edmund Wotoe, Shadrach Zuo  ·  Bemidji Invitational

At the Bemidji Invitational, the Spud boys 4x100 relay crossed in 42.02 to set a new school record, the fastest 4x100 in program history.

Records & Top 10 Performances
Making History
School records and all-time top 10 performances from this outdoor season.
School Record
Boys 4x100 Relay
42.02 · Walker / Suah / Wotoe / Zuo
Bemidji Invitational
School Record
Zak Walker
10.56 · Boys 100 Meters
True Team State
School Record
Zak Walker
21.29 · Boys 200 Meters
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 2nd
Boys 4x100 Relay
42.32 · Suah / Steinert / Bement / Wotoe
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 3rd
Boys 4x200 Relay
1:29.03 · Jones / Zuo / Bement / Walker
Bemidji Invitational
Top 10 All-Time · 3rd
Girls 4x200 Relay
1:44.09 · Gaye / Zielinski / Erickson / Walthers
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 6th
Girls 4x100 Relay
48.29 · Gaye / Tarwo / Davis / Erickson
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 6th
Girls 4x800 Relay
9:31.00 · Humeniuk / Gess / Rossland / Humeniuk
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 4th
Courage Sayiah
44'7.5" · Boys Triple Jump
Bemidji Invitational
Top 10 All-Time · 4th
Shadrach Zuo
22'11" · Boys Long Jump
Moorhead Invitational
Top 10 All-Time · 4th
Shadrach Zuo
6'4" · Boys High Jump
Moorhead Invitational
Top 10 All-Time · 3rd
Audrey Humeniuk
57.22 · Girls 400 Meters
Bemidji Invitational
Top 10 All-Time · 3rd
Kaityn Walthers
25.35 · Girls 200 Meters
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 6th
Nadia Davis
12.43 · Girls 100 Meters
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 3rd
Eli Schlichting
1:56.66 · Boys 800 Meters
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 9th
Annabelle Hedlund
15.89 · Girls 100m Hurdles
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 10th
Annabelle Hedlund
4'10" · Girls High Jump
Moorhead Invitational
Top 10 All-Time · 10th
Etina Monono
15.25 · Boys 110m Hurdles
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 6th
Stella Carlson
5'2" · Girls High Jump
True Team State
Top 10 All-Time · 8th
Lisa Tarwo
5'0" · Girls High Jump
True Team State
Coach Pike
Pike's Place

Ron's Round Up is taking the issue off, but don't worry, it will be back next time. Unless, of course, Pike's Place stages a takeover.

Welcome to Pike's Place, our newest corner of the newsletter and home base for Coach Pike. An Arizona native and an NDSU football guy, Coach Pike brings the juice to the track every single day and is always up for a good time. He has been a great addition to the Spud staff.

The crew has been putting in the work as the season heats up, getting after it in the sun and reminding everyone not to have too much fun out there. Keep an eye on this space.

Moorhead Track Camp
K-6 Spud Track Camp Recap
By Coach Dan Dooher

In what's become a joyful annual tradition, 230 K-6 grade students arrived at Horizon Middle School, the day after Mother's Day, full of great energy for our Moorhead Track Camp. From meeting 39 new, awesome kindergarteners, to seeing kids find joy through running, jumping, throwing and competing, it was a beautiful week of fun memories and new friendships.

Due to forecasted cold temperatures and rain for our meet, a first in our eight years of running track camp, we were grateful to Concordia College, and to Concordia track coach Marv Roeske, for making it possible to host our track meet at their indoor facility. It created a special atmosphere where kids got the chance to run with their families cheering them on from the upper deck of the Olson Forum.

Although we hope the weather cooperates with us again next year so we can run outdoors at MHS, this year's camp was definitely one for the history books! On behalf of all our coaches, we can't wait to see everyone again next year!

A Spud Tradition
The Voice of the Spuds
Larry Knutson
Larry Knutson at the Moorhead Invitational, his final track meet

For nearly five decades, one voice has been part of what it means to be a Spud. Larry Knutson, known to Moorhead fans simply as the Voice of the Spuds, called his final track meet at this year's Moorhead Invitational, closing a chapter that stretched well beyond the track.

On the radio and on the microphone, Larry's voice carried Spud athletics to fans for generations. He announced the names, the finishes, and the moments that families still talk about, and he did it with a warmth that made every event feel like home. Ask any Spud fan and they have a Larry memory.

On behalf of every athlete, coach, and family who has come through Moorhead, thank you, Larry. Nearly fifty years of Spud pride, carried in your voice. Enjoy a very well earned retirement.

Meet Recaps
Bemidji Invitational

The Spuds swept the Bemidji Invitational, claiming both team titles on the road. Moorhead's boys and girls each finished first in a four-team field that also included Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Hibbing, combining for 19 event wins on the day.

Boys Recap

The Moorhead boys put up 125 points to edge Grand Rapids (106) for the team title, with Bemidji (82) and Hibbing (59) following. The headline of the day came in the 4x100 relay, where the team of Zak Walker, Madison Suah, Edmund Wotoe, and Shadrach Zuo crossed in 42.02 for a new school record.

The distance and field crews carried the scoring. Eli Schlichting had a standout afternoon, winning the 1600 in a personal-best 4:28.91 and adding a runner-up finish in the 200. Dalton Jones took the 400 in 51.13 and led a Spud 1-2 in that event, with Tavan Schlichting right behind him. Jesse Adatsi won the 300 hurdles in 42.63. In the field, Zuo won the long jump at 21'5.5", and Courage Sayiah posted a personal-best 44'7.5" to win the triple jump as a freshman.

The relays were a clean sweep. Beyond the record-setting 4x100, Moorhead won the 4x200 (Jones, Zuo, Bement, Walker, 1:29.03), the 4x400 (Myklebust, Tavan Schlichting, Carlson, Jones, 3:32.59), and the 4x800 (Riepe, Blake, Brouillard, Polomny, 8:34.99).

Girls Recap

The Moorhead girls ran away with their title, scoring 173 points to finish 106 clear of Bemidji (67), with Hibbing (65) and Grand Rapids (44) behind. Kaityn Walthers led the way with a sprint double, winning the 100 (12.38) and the 200 (26.06). Audrey Humeniuk won the 400 in a personal-best 57.22, and Sophia Johnson took the 1600 in 5:25.90.

The Spuds swept the top four spots in the 1600, with Johnson followed by Addy Stordahl, Ellie Rossland, and Lauren Gess. Rachel Freeman won the 100 hurdles in a personal-best 16.01, Quinn Erickson took the long jump at 16'8", Lisa Tarwo won the triple jump at 34'10.5", and Ava Mattison cleared 8'6" to win the pole vault.

Both sprint relays went to Moorhead: the 4x100 (Gaye, Erickson, Davis, Walthers, 48.48) and the 4x200 (Noomon, Zielinski, Carlson, Martin, 1:48.56).

Team Scores   Boys: Moorhead 125, Grand Rapids 106, Bemidji 82, Hibbing 59  •  Girls: Moorhead 173, Bemidji 67, Hibbing 65, Grand Rapids 44
Chain of Champions
Nineteen event wins - nine boys, ten girls.
Eli Schlichting
Boys 1600M
Jesse Adatsi
Boys 300M Hurdles
Shadrach Zuo
Boys Long Jump
Courage Sayiah
Boys Triple Jump
Riepe / Blake / Brouillard / Polomny
Boys 4x800 Relay
Walker / Suah / Wotoe / Zuo
Boys 4x100 Relay
Kaityn Walthers
Girls 100M & 200M
Audrey Humeniuk
Girls 400M
Sophia Johnson
Girls 1600M
Rachel Freeman
Girls 100M Hurdles
Quinn Erickson
Girls Long Jump
Ava Mattison
Girls Pole Vault
Gaye / Erickson / Davis / Walthers
Girls 4x100 Relay
Noomon / Zielinski / Carlson / Martin
Girls 4x200 Relay
Boys Event Wins
400M
Dalton Jones
4x200 RELAY
Moorhead Boys 4x200
4x400 RELAY
Moorhead Boys 4x400
Girls Event Wins
TRIPLE JUMP
Lisa Tarwo
Moorhead Invitational

The Spuds swept their home Invitational, taking both team titles on Moorhead's track. The boys and girls each finished first ahead of Bemidji, Fargo North, and Crookston.

Boys Recap

The Moorhead boys scored 131 points to win comfortably, with Bemidji (79.5) and Fargo North (62.5) behind. Edmund Wotoe was the standout, winning the 100 in a personal-best 11.17 and the 200 in 22.84. Freshman Cole Salvevold took the 400 in a personal-best 54.47.

The distance group showed real depth in the 1600, where Micah Blake won in 4:54.32 and the Spuds claimed seven of the top eight places. Charles Martin had a strong day in his own right, winning the 110 hurdles in 16.61 and the triple jump at 40'6.5", with Moorhead going 1-2 in the hurdles behind Martin and Jaden Cooper. Jesse Adatsi won the 300 hurdles in 53.49, and Moe Bakrin won the shot put at 46'8".

Shadrach Zuo had one of the best individual days of the meet, winning both the high jump at a personal-best 6'4" and the long jump at a personal-best 22'11". In the relays, Moorhead won the 4x200 (Jones, Bement, Wotoe, Zuo, 1:31.45), with the Spud A and B squads finishing 1-2.

Girls Recap

The Moorhead girls scored 135 points to win their title, ahead of Fargo North (67), Bemidji (63.5), and Crookston (5.5). Kaityn Walthers won the 100 in 12.35, part of a Spud effort that filled 15 of the top 16 places in that event. Audrey Humeniuk won the 600 in a personal-best 1:40.91.

The depth carried through the program. Riley Asleson won the 1600 in a personal-best 5:52.75, with Moorhead taking the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 6th spots. Annabelle Hedlund won the 100 hurdles in 15.98, leading a Spud sweep of the top five. Ruby Martin won the triple jump at 34'2".

Two field events ended in Spud ties for the win: Stella Carlson and Amber Maki both cleared 5'0" to share the high jump, and Ava Mattison and Isabelle Oakes both cleared 9'0" to share the pole vault, with Moorhead sweeping the top five in each. In the relays, the 4x100 went to Moorhead (Erickson, Gaye, Davis, Walthers, 48.97) with Spud A, B, and C taking 1-2-3, and the 4x200 was won by Moorhead (Audrey Humeniuk, Lillian Humeniuk, Rossland, Marquardt, 1:50.94).

Team Scores   Boys: Moorhead 131, Bemidji 79.5, Fargo North 62.5  •  Girls: Moorhead 135, Fargo North 67, Bemidji 63.5, Crookston 5.5
Chain of Champions
Twenty event wins - eleven boys, nine girls.
Annabelle Hedlund
Girls 100M Hurdles
Cole Salvevold
Boys 400M
Riley Asleson
Girls 1600M
Moorhead Girls 4x200
Girls 4x200 Relay
Boys Event Wins
100M & 200M
Edmund Wotoe
1600M
Micah Blake
110M HURDLES & TRIPLE JUMP
Charles Martin
300M HURDLES
Jesse Adatsi
SHOT PUT
Moe Bakrin
HIGH JUMP & LONG JUMP
Shadrach Zuo
4x200 RELAY
Moorhead Boys 4x200
Girls Event Wins
100M
Kaityn Walthers
600M
Audrey Humeniuk
TRIPLE JUMP
Ruby Martin
HIGH JUMP
Carlson / Maki
POLE VAULT
Mattison / Oakes
4x100 RELAY
Moorhead Girls 4x100
All-City Championships

The future Spuds swept the All-City Track Meet, with Moorhead's middle school program winning all four division titles. The 7th and 8th grade boys and the 7th and 8th grade girls each finished first in the city-wide meet, and the day included four new middle school school records.

Girls Recap

The 7th grade girls won their division by the largest margin of the meet, outscoring every other team in 10 of the 15 events. Mazie Frisch had a huge day, winning four events: the 200 (27.53), the 400 (1:02.46), the 100 hurdles (17.59), and the high jump (4'8"). Addyson Thiel doubled up in the distance races, winning the 800 (2:40.28) and the 1600 (5:42.46), the second of which set a new 7th grade girls school record. Halen Keating won the 200 hurdles (35.50).

The 8th grade girls were just as strong, outscoring every team in 11 of 15 events. Aaleah Karfear swept the short sprints, winning the 100 (13.50) and 200 (27.66). Nyadeng Yuot took both hurdle races, winning the 100 hurdles (16.96) and 200 hurdles (35.09). Grace Polomny doubled in the 400 (1:04.00) and 800 (2:35.13), Alissa Hammer won the pole vault (7'6"), and Harper Harkness won the shot put (32'3").

Boys Recap

The 7th grade boys came through a tight, competitive team race to take their division. Bruce Wroksie led the way with wins in the 200 hurdles (31.25) and the high jump (5'8"). Semir Zewde doubled in the distance events, winning the 800 (2:20.48) and 1600 (5:06.40). Max Zimmerman won the 400 in 57.50, a new 7th grade boys school record. Sully Krueger won the pole vault (8'0"), and Adeyosola Adeyemo won the shot put (34'11"). The 7th grade boys 4x100 relay won in 48.86, setting another school record, with a lineup of Wroksie, Romelo Mends-Cole, DJ Toe, and Edward Mulbah.

The 8th grade boys followed their 2025 division title with another win. Darren Davis had a strong meet across two events, winning the 100 (12.01) and the long jump (18'0"). Abel Cooke won the 200 hurdles (30.92). The Spuds capped the day with a school-record performance in the 4x400 relay, where Lawynn Khalid, Gordon Doyle, Orion Patrie, and Alex Hebert ran 3:53.41.

Team Scores   7th Boys: Horizon 167.5 • 8th Boys: Horizon 150.5 • 7th Girls: Horizon 217 • 8th Girls: Horizon 220.5
School Records Set
  • Max Zimmerman - 400 (57.50) · 7th grade boys
  • Addyson Thiel - 1600 (5:42.46) · 7th grade girls
  • 7th grade boys 4x100 (48.86)
  • 8th grade boys 4x400 (3:53.41)
True Team State

The Spuds earned their way to True Team State and proved they belonged. Qualifying for the state meet is an accomplishment in itself, and on a beautiful evening at Eden Prairie, Moorhead lined up against the best programs in the state and competed with them.

Moorhead boys at True Team State
Boys Recap

In a field led by Blaine, Rosemount, and Mounds View, the Moorhead boys held their own, finishing 9th of 12 with 769.5 points. The day's standout was Zak Walker, who ran personal bests in both sprints, taking 2nd in the 100 (10.56) and 2nd in the 200 (21.29), and adding a 3rd-place finish in the long jump at 21'9.5". Walker re-broke his own school records in both the 100 and the 200.

The Spuds won the 4x100 relay in 42.32, with Madison Suah, Nicolas Steinert, Espen Bement, and Edmund Wotoe edging the field. The 4x200 of Dalton Jones, Bement, Wotoe, and Walker took 2nd in 1:28.14. Eli Schlichting was 4th in the 800 in a personal-best 1:56.66, and the boys placed across the distance and field events to build their team total.

Moorhead girls at True Team State
Girls Recap

The Moorhead girls finished 5th of 12 with 882 points, in a strong field behind Lakeville South and Wayzata. Kaityn Walthers led the sprinters, placing 5th in the 100 (12.34) and 6th in the 200 (25.35, a personal best). The 4x100 relay of Romedna Gaye, Lihanna Tarwo, Nadia Davis, and Quinn Erickson took 2nd in 48.29, and the 4x200 of Gaye, Ruby Zielinski, Erickson, and Walthers added another 2nd-place finish in 1:44.09.

The 4x800 of Audrey Humeniuk, Lauren Gess, Ellie Rossland, and Lillian Humeniuk placed 3rd in 9:31.00, and Moorhead scored across the distance, hurdle, and field events to build the team total.

Team Scores   Boys: 9th of 12, 769.5 pts (Blaine 1st, 1279)  •  Girls: 5th of 12, 882 pts (Lakeville South 1st, 1135.5)
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Their support makes Spud Track possible.
Archive 9/6/22·9/12/22·9/19/22·9/26/22·10/3/22·10/10/22·10/17/22·10/24/22·10/31/22·11/7/22·11/22/22·Summer 23·8/21/23·8/28/23·9/4/23·9/11/23·9/18/23·9/25/23·10/2/23·10/9/23·10/16/23·10/23/23·10/30/23·8/12/24·8/19/24·8/26/24·9/2/24·9/9/24·9/16/24·9/23/24·9/30/24·10/7/24·10/14/24·10/21/24·10/28/24·11/11/24·Track #1 '25·Track #2 '25·Track #3 '25·Track #5 '25·Summer '25·9/8/25·9/15/25·10/13/25·10/21/25·10/27/25