Ten 'exceptionally talented' girls' track and field athletes to watch at state

A stunning 10 seniors, all Class 2A track and field competitors, have sprinted, thrown, vaulted and jumped to a combined four Minnesota records, 16 state titles and 47 all-state citations.

And they are not finished. Last call for additional records and medals takes place at the state meet held Friday and Saturday at Hamline University.

"Possibly the No. 1 group, depth-wise, of all time," said Matt Bingle, coach of the Gophers women's track and field team. "I've been here since 2002 and you typically see two or three kids who can compete at the national level. But this is an exceptionally talented class. Any college coach would want all 10 of these kids."

Meleah Biermaier, Thief River Falls

Events: 100-meter hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay

Highlights: Two-time state champion, Minnesota 300 hurdles record holder (42.13 seconds).

College: Minnesota

Quote: "In eighth grade I heard, 'She's from outstate so she's not going to do as well.' Proving them wrong felt so good."

Jedah Caldwell, Chanhassen

Events: 100, 200, 4x200 relay

Highlights: Defending state champion, Minnesota 100 (11.67) and 200 (23.59) record holder.

College: Kansas

Quote: "I'm just focused on my races. I don't even look at heat sheets because I don't want to psyche myself out."

Bethany and Megan Hasz, Alexandria

Events: 1,600 and 3,200

Highlights: Bethany won state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200. Megan posted three all-state finishes.

College: Minnesota

Bethany: "My biggest goals for state are setting personal bests in both events."

Megan: "It's great to be back after being injured last year."

Brieasha Hobbs, Cretin-Derham Hall

Events: 200, 400 and 4x400 relay

Highlights: Sophomore year won the 100 and 400.

Did you know? Pole vault is her secret track and field ambition.

Quote: "They say it's going to be in the lower 90s. I like running in the heat so we'll see how it goes."

Andrianna Jacobs, Rochester Century

Event: Pole vault

Highlights: Three-time defending state champion.

Did you know?: All-state competitor in diving and gymnastics.

Quote: "I love vaulting at Hamline because you're in the infield and there's more energy."

Karina Joiner, East Ridge

Events: 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles

Highlights: Won the 100 hurdles crown last spring, the 4x400 relay as a sophomore.

Did you know? Drew raves for her offseason strength training regimen.

Quote: "The competition will be stiff. I know that will push me."

Natalie Manders, Eastview

Events: Shot put and discus throw

Highlights: Defending discus throw state champion.

Did you know? Her coach and father, Michael, holds the NCAA Division III shot put record.

Quote: "I'll be trying to do my best knowing there are a lot of great girls competing."

Ashley Ramacher, Eden Prairie

Events: High jump, 100 hurdles, 300 hurdles, 4x100 relay

Highlights: Defending high jump state champion.

Did you know? Hunts game, has two antler racks and a turkey fan on the wall at home.

Quote: "I'm excited to be competing with teammates in the high jump and 4x100. They push me to do my best."

Ruby Stauber, Wayzata

Events: 800, 4x200 relay and 4x400 relay

Highlights: Minnesota record holder, defending state 800 champion (2:06.5).

Did you know? Her mother, Alison Stauber Coffey, was a professional middle-distance runner. Her father, Robb, won the Hobey Baker Award as a goaltender for the Gophers hockey team and played in the NHL.

Quote: "Hopefully our class will continue to do big things and be remembered for a long time."

David La Vaque