High Plains senior Hallie Jo Urkoski recorded 185 kills (second on the team) in 2026 and will be relied on heavily this year with the graduation of six seniors. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

PCN Athletes of the Year

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

High Plains senior Brodey Spurling finished fourth in the triple jump on Friday at the Class D Boys State Track and Field Meet at Omaha Burke Stadium. Spurling also added a fifth place in the long jump to cap his high school career with five medals the last two seasons. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Osceola’s Alexis Burritt picked up the only medal for area Class D girld as she cleared 5-1 in the high jump and tied for seventh. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

The finals of the girls 100 meters was won by Natalie Laubers (far left) with Osceola’s Camryn Peterson (next to her) taking second. Also pictured is Riverside’s Ella Molt and Osceola’s Jadelynn Gifford (far right). Laubers and Peterson both qualified for state. PCN photo by Ken Kush.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

Each week during the school year, the Polk County News will select a male and female Athlete of the Week.

High Plains sophomore Colin Howell set a PR last Thursday as he cleared 6-1 in the high jump and finished second at the Palmer Invite in Fullerton. PCN photo by Beth Sparrow.

Cougars senior Mason Quilhot won the High Plains Invite with a throw of 131-11 in the discus. PCN photo by Ken Kush