The Nation Ford Falcons are sending three of its best track and field athletes to compete for a state championship Saturday.

"I am very proud of all the efforts of the athletes," said coach Zach Lendyak.

Last Saturday, the boys competed at state qualifiers at Spring Valley High qualifying Dee Truesdale in the triple jump and Kevin Ketner in the 1,600-meter for the boys and Meredith Kilburn for the girls in the 3,200-meter. Kilburn, an eighth-grader, finished an impressive fourth in the 3,200-meters in 11:51.40.

"I know she can go to the 40s for the state meet," said girls coach Abby Beard.

Ketner finished the 1,600-meters in eighth in 4:39.45.

"Kevin Ketner going to the state meet as a freshman is a great accomplishment," Lendyak said. "He has been working very hard this year with Kevin Coleman, and together they have dropped their times a great deal."

Truesdale was able to keep his competitive spirit going and made state in the triple jump, an event he competed in at the end of the day after already participating in two other events. He finished the event in eighth to grab the last qualifying spot with three jumps totaling 44 feet, 11.25 inches.

"He had a good shot at finishing high on Saturday," added Lendyak.

Other athletes, including Steven Cox, who competed in track and field for the first time this season, didn't qualify for state but had a great year and are planning on training over the summer.

Xavier Cureton, who competed in the 100-meter this year, is also looking forward to working hard and coming back next year for a second chance at the state title.

"Cox, as with a lot of the other athletes, will only get better," Lendyak said.

Lendyak was also pleased with his throwers, crediting the coaching of Alex Snipes as a reason the throwers have shown such improvement this year.