The Norwalk boys will be well represented at this week’s State Track and Field Championships in Des Moines. The Warriors have qualified 15 entries in 13 events for state, with competition set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Drake Stadium.

Norwalk took 12 entries to last year’s state meet and scored 27 points, placing 10th in Class 4A. Tony Anania had an unforgettable three days, winning a state championship in the mile, placing third in both the 3,200 and the 800, and anchoring the distance medley relay to fourth.

The Warrior boys are looking for more this year, aiming for at least a top-five team finish, if not the top three with a trophy. Anania tells KNIA Sports that his goals are to have fun, help the team score as many points as possible, and bring home a trophy. Junior Kaiden Kunze adds that the team is confident and thinking big. “The goal is always to win, but I think if everyone performs at their best the minimum should be top five,” he said.

Four Norwalk athletes will compete in two individual events. Anania returns to defend his 1,600-meter title and has also qualified in the 800. Kunze is among the top 4A qualifiers in the 200-meter dash and the long jump. Senior Daniel Roche has qualified in the 400-meter dash and the 400 hurdles and sophomore Logan Atherton will compete in both the long jump and high jump. Additional qualifiers include Cam Thomas in the high jump and Ethan Winslow in the 100 dash.

The Warriors’ overall depth will allow them to put together strong relays in the 4×800, sprint medley, 4×400, distance medley and 4×100.

Hear more from some of the Norwalk boys and girls state track qualifiers on Today’s Lely Radio Sports Page.