MITCHELL — More than 60 athletes from the Class C-9 District Track and Field Meet in Mitchell punched their ticket to Omaha on Thursday, as Valentine and Perkins County claimed the girls and boys team titles.

Valentine’s girls edged out Perkins County 105-81 in the team standings, led by Paige Sprenger’s sweep of the hurdles, Maeli Patterson’s win in the 200 meters, and a pair of relay victories. Mitchell’s Kate Pieper won the long jump and qualified in the 100 and pole vault to help her team finish sixth.

On the boys side, Perkins County claimed the team title with 113 points, narrowly topping North Platte St. Patrick’s (110) and Valentine (105). Mason McGreer and Elijah Goodell of Perkins County were dominant in distance events, going 1-2 in the 3200 and helping the Plainsmen win the 4x800. North Platte St. Pat's Jaxon Knisley qualified in the 100, 110 hurdles and 4x100 relay, while Valentine’s Isaac Cronin also picked up multiple wins and state berths in the hurdles and high jump.

Overall, athletes from nine schools advanced to next week’s NSAA State Track and Field Championships in Omaha May 23-24.