Lakeville North Girls finish 5th at MSHSL State

June 16, 2011

By Todd Endersbe of Lakeville North Track & Field


The seven girls that qualified for State showed off their strength, speed, jumping, and vaulting ability. All-State athletes (top 9 places) include State Champion Nicole Naatjes, Pole Vault; Jennifer Svobodny, 4th in Shot Put; Emma Erickson, 5th in Discus; Angie Anyaogu, 5th in Long Jump; Emily Pratt, 8th in 100m High Hurdles; and the 4x100m relay team of Angie Anyaogu, Nicole Naatjes, Alexa Trakalo, and Rachel Banham, 7th place.

All the girls that qualified earned All-State honors. A job well done.

This is a big leap from the 2010 results of 20 points and a 17th place finish.

We send off some very decorated athletes -

Rachel Banham is a 6-time All-State athlete in the 4x100m and 4x200m relays, placing 4th and 8th (2008), 7th and 8th (2009), 5th (2010), and 7th (2011). Rachel leaves LNHS being part of a very impressive school record in the 4x100m relay - 48.32 (top 10 All-Time in Minnesota).

Jennifer Svobodny is a 3-time All-State athlete in the Shot Put, placing 5th (2009), 4th (2010), and 4th (2011).

Nicole Naatjes is our newest State Champion and record holder in the Pole Vault, clearing 11' 9". She is also the South Suburban Conference Champion and Conference Record holder.

Emily Pratt placed 8th in the 100m High Hurdles. She had a very decorated season placing high in every meet; 2nd in Conference, and 1st in Sections with an impressive time of 15.12. This time places her #2 overall in the Lakeville/Lakeville North All-Time Honor Roll List.

On the boys' side, Jake Weber qualified for State in the Discus but did not make finals. Jake finished his high school career with throws of 164' 2" in the Discus and 54' 4.25" in the Shot Put (placing him 3rd and 7th respectively on the Lakeville/Lakeville North All-Time Honor Roll List). These two lists are the most difficult to get on because of the rich history of past throwers.