OMAHA — Perkins County's distance runners led the charge for western Nebraska schools Friday during the opening day of the NSAA Class C and D State Track and Field Championships at Omaha Burke Stadium.

In Class C boys competition, Perkins County sits atop the team standings after six events with 29 points. Mason McGreer won the 3200 meters in a personal-record time of 9:21.17, followed closely by teammate Elijah Goodell in second and Ethan Swesey in ninth. McGreer also anchored the second-place 4x800 relay (8:01.36).

Ryder Potts added more points for Perkins County, placing sixth in the 400 finals and advancing to the 200 finals with a time of 22.70.

In the girls Class C competition, Mitchell’s Kate Pieper finished third in the pole vault at 11-0. Morrill’s Katelyn Walker took 12th in the long jump and 21st in the 400 meters. Cecilia Barron also placed 19th in the 3200 meters for Morrill.

Bridgeport's Logan Levick and Landon Dean finished 18th and 23rd respectively in the 110 hurdles prelims. Taylor Bright was 19th in the girls 100 and 21st in the 200.

Austin Benda of Hemingford claimed 12th in the 3200 meters.

Mitchell’s Kate Pieper added a 15th-place finish in the long jump. Teammate Xavier Galloway took 16th in the 110 hurdles.

In Class D, Kimball’s Derek Russell finished fourth in the boys shot put with a throw of 51 feet, 5 inches. Conrad Kaminski added a 13th-place finish in the 3200 meters, while Noe Trevino and Jacob Wendt ran in both the 100 and 200 meter prelims.

Potter-Dix’s Drew Jeppson finished 16th in the boys shot put at 45-4. Bayard’s Logan Metz landed 14th in the triple jump and Noah Manka did not place in high jump. Emilee Houchin of Bayard cleared 8-0 to take 19th in the girls pole vault.

Leyton’s Alec Watchorn advanced to the finals of the 110 hurdles with a 15.63. Teammate Zaili Benish qualified for the girls 100 hurdles finals and placed eighth in the 400.

South Platte’s Nathan Jacobs placed 14th in the 100 and 11th in the 200. Garden County’s Jase Roberson was 22nd in the 400. Abigail Loyd finished 23rd in the 3200 for Garden County.

The final day of the Class C and D State Track and Field Meet is Saturday at Burke Stadium in Omaha with a live broadcast of the event on News Channel Nebraska TV.