LCHS competes at the IHSA Class 2A
Boys State Track and Field Championships
[June 02, 2026]
Saturday was a great day for the LCHS Railsplitters at the
2026 IHSA Class 2A Boys State Track and Field Championships in
Charleston.
Owen Cyrulik medaled in the 800m and the 4x800m relay team also
reached the podium to collect medals at O’Brien Field on the campus
of Eastern Illinois University.
Pierce King, Henry Stoltzenburg, Preston Short and Owen Cyrulik ran
the 4x800m in 7:51.67 to finish in 6th place.
Cyrulik ran the 800m in 1:54.40. He reached the podium in 7th place.
Lincoln coach Jenna Crombie explained the strategy behind the relay
team’s success and noted how competitive the field was this year.
“The boys 4x800 qualified for finals by winning their heat with the
relay team of Pierce King, Henry Stoltzenburg, Preston Short and
Colin Crombie, who ran in place of Owen Cyrulik to allow Owen to
stay fresh for the open 800,” said Crombie. “Colin (Crombie) has had
limited training due to a muscle strain but was able to do exactly
what we needed to allow an easy qualification to the finals and give
Owen (Cyrulik) fresh legs.”
“The 4x800 finals were incredibly competitive,” Crombie continued.
“Pierce (King) and Henry (Stoltzenburg) found themselves boxed in
and had to fight for position. Henry was pushed into the rail at one
point but was able to recover. Both ran well and maintained sixth
place. Preston made up valuable ground on the third leg, and Owen
delivered a tremendous anchor split, but the gap was just a little
too much to overcome. Finishing sixth in a talented field while
running 7:51.67 is something these athletes should be very proud of.
That time last year would have placed second so that tells you the
depth of competition.”
“The outcome was not what we hoped but the boys and I are proud of
the season and our accomplishments. And we will be very motivated
next season.”
Cyrulik ran both races in Saturday’s finals and he was quite
impressive.
“Owen doubled back in the 800 on just a couple hours rest to deliver
a one second PR to medal in seventh place,” said Crombie. “He has
really progressed this season and is starting to figure out how to
race. He inspires our whole team with his work ethic and embodies
our motto of doing the little things well. Owen will be back next
season and looks to improve his speed and endurance. He already has
great range from 400 to 1600 but that will only improve his senior
year.”
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Cyrulik has his sights set on improving and is already looking to
put in the work for his upcoming senior season.
As for this year’s state meet, Cyrulik offered. “It was fun like
every year. I get to hang out with the group I train with everyday.
It is definitely a highlight of the year. I know I came into it a
little nervous. We had very high expectations, but with all that
happened during the season, I am happy with 6th place in the 4x800.
However, I would be lying if I said it didn’t leave a sour taste in
at least my mouth. Still a bit unreal to me. I know for sure that is
what is going to drive us this off season. I will hit the gym, rack
up more miles than before, think more about what I’m eating, and
hopefully upgrade both medals.”
Crombie summarized the day and the season with a few more words.
“Other athletes in the State Prelims were juniors Preston Short in
the 1600m who finished 40th and Carson McConnell who placed 36th in
discus. Both earned valuable experience on the big stage and will
definitely be back next year as seniors.”
“Our success for both the boys and girls teams this year was in
large part due to our assistant coaches,” added Crombie. “We have an
abundance of skill and talent across six coaches including my right
hand, Coach Sarah Farris who supports us all with her enthusiasm and
heart. Coach Johnnie Meisner has offered his wisdom in the technique
events and is sharing his knowledge with our newer coaches to carry
his legacy forward. Coach McFadden, Coach Cannon, Coach Singley and
Coach Rutledge round out our staff and make the long and sometimes
difficult season a joy. Our team is supported both mentally and
physically by this group of coaches who want nothing but the best
for this group of student athletes.”
It takes a village sometimes and the LCHS track and field athletes
are certainly lucky to have such dedicated individuals pushing and
preparing them for success.
Congratulations to each of these athletes for competing on the last
weekend of the track and field season, a nice reward for their hard
work.
[Teena Lowery w/photos courtesy of Josh Short]
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