OMAHA, Neb. – Less than a day after a tragic accident that hospitalized a McCool Junction school van driver and injured five students, the Mustangs’ track and field program represented the school with clutch performances on Friday.

The boys 4x800 meter relay team pushed defending champion Axtell to the limit, finishing as runners-up to the Wildcats. The team of Luke Brugger, Joey Pedersen, Trenton Orlando and Trenton Neville crossed the line in 8:23.34, less than half a second behind Axtell.

Also for the Mustangs’ boys squad, Ryland Garretson reached the finals of the 100 and 200 meter dashes.

On the girls side, McKenna Yates qualified for the 400 meter dash finals.

Meanwhile, McCool Junction got state medals from two field events.

Anna Vodicka finished fourth in the girls pole vault, clearing 9’6”. Alex Morner was eighth in the boys shot put with a toss of 47’6.75”.

The Mustangs are still scheduled to compete 12 more Saturday events.

Tune into News Channel Nebraska for the Class C and D state track finals Saturday.