BELLE PLAINE — GMG track and field produced a pair of state qualifiers following the Class 1A state-qualifying meet held at Belle Plaine High School, Thursday, May 14. In Class 1A, the top-place finisher in each event plus the next 14 best district (state-qualifier) performances statewide advance to the state meet.

The Wolverines pushed through two throwers based on at-large qualifying, including senior Jay Bessman who finished second in Belle Plaine with a discus heave of 141 feet, 4 inches. He is seeded 20th for state.

Sophomore shot putter Arianna Pierce also qualified after placing third on Thursday with a toss of 35-8. She is seeded 15th at the state championships.

Pierce qualified for state last season as well where she placed 16th overall with a throw of 34-10 1/2.

The 2026 Iowa High School Track & Field Championships take place May 21-23 at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.