Athletes of the week: Armstrong track senior on pace to finish strong

After finishing second in the 100- and 200-meter dashes at the Class 2A state meet last year as a junior, McClellon has worked to improve on those finishes at this year's state meet.

He appears to be on schedule. Last month, McClellon won the 100 and 200 at the Hamline Elite Meet in meet-record times.

At the Northwest Suburban Conference meet last week, McClellon set a state record in the 100, winning in 10.37 seconds. McClellon broke the record of 10.45 (set by Ibrahim Kalia of Champlin Park in 2004). He also won the 200 (21.11) and ran a leg on the winning 4x100 relay team.

"I'm happy with how it's been going this year," said McClellon. "But, honestly, I think I can do better."

McClellon, who was slowed by a nerve injury two years ago, said a key to this year's success has been that he's "stayed healthy this year."

Within reach for McClellon is the state record in the 200. The record of 20.92 was set by Mankato East's Jon Boyd in 2004.

Hinz, a sophomore, didn't allow a hit and struck out 16 to pitch the Cardinals to a 3-1 victory over Eden Valley-Watkins in the first round of the Class 2A, Section 5 playoffs. Hinz, a righthander, threw 103 pitches — 67 strikes. He walked two (the run was unearned).

Sheehan, a senior, shot an even-par 71 to earn medalist honors and lead Lakeville South to first place in the South Suburban Conference meet at Inver Wood G.C. Sheehan, who finished in a tie for fifth at last year's Class 3A state meet, averaged 73.5 in five South Suburban Conference meets.

The Eagles rely on Brink, a junior, to defend the opposing team's best player. Brink's defense helped the Eagles, the defending state champion, close the regular season with victories over Holy Family and Blake.

Meduna, a freshman, led the Wolfpack to three Class 4A, Section 3 playoff victories with three hits and an RBI in each game. In the Wolfpack's 4-3 victory over Eastview, she made a diving catch with the tying run at second base to end the game.

Donlin, a senior, helped the Trojans win the state championship. Donlin won the solo extended and figures extended events, teamed with Lucy Liu to win the duet extended and was on the Trojans' first-place team extended.

JULIA HAYES

Hayes, a sophomore, won three individual events (long jump, 100 hurdles and 300 low hurdles) and anchored the Knights' first-place 4x400 relay team at the Northwest Suburban Conference meet. Hayes' effort of 18-4¼ in the long jump set a school record.

JOEL RIPPEL

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