Greiner a streaking Comet for Cardinal

EDDYVILLE — The Class 2A state-qualifying track meet Thursday will be a precursor to the state meet where all four classes will compete at Drake Stadium May 20-22 in Des Moines.

Last Thursday’s Super Conference meet was a precursor to this Thursday’s districts. Griffin Greiner won four events and set Cardinal records in two of them at WACO, which will host one of 10 qualifying Class 1A meets. Mt. Pleasant will host one of eight 3A meets and 2A has eight as well.

Griffin won the 100 meter, the 200, 400 and long jump at WACO.

"I'm extremely proud of Griff, not just for setting records but also for the fact that we have put a lot on his shoulders this season,“ Comets track coach Rich Mayson said. ”He has handled that pressure well, performing time and again. Griff is a team-first guy that wants to do his best for his teammates.“

Greiner’s long jump of 22 feet, 3 inches replaced the 22-2½ of Chris Heger, set in 1990. Greiner’s 400 time of 50.21 broke Jeff Adam’s 50.74 from 1995.

Those marks are the best of the competitors that will be at Eddyville. In all of Class 2A, his 400 time is fourth and his long jump is second.

“I think we have had an idea that he had a strong shot at those records, but it was so awesome to see him finally put it together in those events,” Mayson said. “I look forward to him bettering those marks yet this season."

Of Eddyville participants, Greiner has the best 100 (11.16) and 200 (22.71) times. His 100 is 14th in 2A and the 200 is 11th.

“Greiner has a ton of natural ability and when he adds his work ethic to that, he has a great formula for success,” Cardinal athletic director Chris Becker said. “He is a very gifted athlete. It is great to see him have such a successful track season, and he will definitely be motivated for the state qualifying meet on Thursday at Eddyville.”