Bryleigh McBride, Freshman | Minot North High School
BISMARCK, N.D. – The Minot North girls’ track and field team capped off a season of growth and grit with a strong showing at the 2025 North Dakota State Track and Field Championships, held May 22–24 at the Bismarck Community Bowl. From the sprint lanes to the throwing pits, the Sentinels showed they could hold their own against the state’s top athletes.
One of the weekend’s most exciting achievements came from junior McKinnley Kragh, who earned a third-place finish overall in the pole vault. Kragh cleared 8 feet, 9 inches (8-09.00). This is a personal best and a new school record for Minot North. Her consistency throughout the season led to this breakout moment, and her vault not only secured a podium finish but set a new benchmark for future athletes in the program.
In sprint competition, Riley Hansen represented the Sentinels in the 100-yard dash, posting a time of 14.37 seconds in Heat 2. She ran alongside teammate Codey Irwin, who finished just ahead with a time of 13.72 seconds, showing depth in the short sprint events. Both sprinters held their own against tough competition and demonstrated the team’s speed development across the season.
The 100-meter hurdles featured a promising performance by freshman Ayla Jackson, who crossed the finish line in 20.21 seconds, placing third in her heat. The hurdles are one of the most technical events in track and field, and Jackson’s early success in the discipline is a sign of her potential to become a consistent contender in the coming years.
In the 200-meter dash, sophomore Gracen Rorem clocked a personal record of 30.13 seconds, reflecting significant improvement from earlier meets. Her stride and form carried her through the finish with confidence and strength, indicating continued potential in the sprinting events.
Minot North’s distance team also had a strong showing, particularly in the 800-meter run, where two athletes achieved personal bests. Alyvia Kopp finished with a time of 2:38.10, and Makenna Jackson followed closely with a time of 2:38.71. The duo ran in sync for much of the race, demonstrating not just physical endurance, but smart pacing and determination. Their ability to PR on the state’s biggest stage underscores their hard work and competitive drive.
The Sentinels found their greatest success in the field events, securing two state titles that anchored their team performance.
In the shot put, junior Josie Rystedt delivered a standout performance, throwing 33 feet, 5 inches (33-05.00) to earn first place. Her throw was not only the farthest in the event but also among the top marks recorded at the meet. With excellent technique and explosive power, Rystedt showcased her strength in one of track and field’s most demanding disciplines.
Not far from the throws area, Jaylenn Zarr put together an extremely dominant performance for the weekend. Competing in the triple jump, Zarr leaped to a winning mark of 36 feet, 1 inch (36-01.00), capturing first place in commanding fashion. Her combination of speed, agility, and coordination allowed her to control the event from the start, making her jump one of the most impressive performances of the meet across all classifications.
Throughout the three-day meet, Minot North’s athletes demonstrated consistent progress and competitive spirit. With several top-three finishes and a host of personal bests, the team continues to build a solid foundation as one of the newer programs in the state. The season’s results reflect the dedication of the athletes and their ability to rise to the challenge of high-level competition.
As a team, the Sentinels left their mark in Bismarck with athletes competing across sprints, distance, hurdles, jumps, and throws. Many of them achieved season- or career-best marks at the most critical time, showing peak performances in a championship setting.
With rising underclassmen and returning upperclassmen, Minot North’s girls’ track and field program looks poised for continued success. The 2025 state meet will be remembered not only for its standout results but as a defining moment in the program’s early history.
