Spartans’ Copic, Hansen, Olson to compete in four events at state

 GRISWOLD -- Three Exira-Elk Horn-Kimballton athletes combined to qualify for state in four events with their efforts at Thursday’s Class 1-A Co-Ed State Qualifying Meet in Griswold.
 Spartan junior Emily Copic earned state bids with second-place finishes in both the 3,000 and 1,500-meter runs. Her season-best times of 11:45.16 and 5:22.62 rank 11th and 15th, respectively among 1-A qualifiers. She will run in the 3,000 at state Thursday afternoon and compete in the 1,500 Saturday at Drake Stadium.
 The Spartan boys also qualified two events for the state meet. Brady Hansen placed third in the 110-meter high hurdles but qualified with the eighth-fastest time (15.55 seconds). Martin Olson placed second in the shot put with a throw of 47 feet, 3.5 inches that ranks 14th. Both performances were career bests.