Brainerd Warriors Compete at Sartell Sabre Quad

Natalie Smith, Audreanna Hines, and other Warriors earn first-place finishes

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:19am

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An abstract, energetic painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic motion and raw athleticism of track and field events with rapid brushstrokes and indistinct figures sprinting, jumping, and hurdling.The Brainerd Warriors track and field teams showcased their explosive talent and energy at the Sartell Sabre Quad, foreshadowing a promising season ahead.Brainerd Today

The Brainerd Warriors track and field teams competed at the Sartell Sabre Quad on Thursday, April 16, with the girls' team finishing third overall. Several Warriors athletes recorded first-place finishes, including Natalie Smith in the 100-meter hurdles and 300 hurdles, Audreanna Hines in the 3200 run, Cecelia Dircks in the 200 dash, Macy Carlson in the 400 run, Kahlan Johnson in the 800 run, and Sophia White in the pole vault. On the boys' side, Austin Asher placed first in the 200 dash and second in the 100 dash, while Luke Merseth won the high jump and Dewayne Sims took first in the long jump.

Why it matters

This meet was an important early-season competition for the Brainerd Warriors track and field teams as they look to build momentum and qualify athletes for the state championships later in the season. Strong individual performances by Brainerd athletes could help the teams contend for conference and section titles.

The details

At the Sartell Sabre Quad, the Brainerd girls' team finished third overall, led by several first-place finishes. Natalie Smith won the 100-meter hurdles and placed second in the 300 hurdles. Audreanna Hines took first in the 3200 run, while Cecelia Dircks (200 dash), Macy Carlson (400 run), Kahlan Johnson (800 run), and Sophia White (pole vault) also earned gold medals. Cora Clough finished second in the high jump, Isabelle Ploof was runner-up in the discus, and Avery Duerr placed second in the long jump. On the boys' side, Austin Asher won the 200 dash and was second in the 100 dash. Luke Merseth took first in the high jump, and Dewayne Sims won the long jump. Jonathan Cowell (800 run) and Nolan Jendro (1600 run) also had strong performances for the Brainerd boys.

  • The Sartell Sabre Quad took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Natalie Smith

A Brainerd Warrior athlete who won the 100-meter hurdles and placed second in the 300 hurdles.

Audreanna Hines

A Brainerd Warrior athlete who won the 3200 run.

Cecelia Dircks

A Brainerd Warrior athlete who won the 200 dash.

Macy Carlson

A Brainerd Warrior athlete who won the 400 run.

Kahlan Johnson

A Brainerd Warrior athlete who won the 800 run.

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What’s next

The Brainerd Warriors will continue their track and field season with upcoming meets as they work towards conference, section, and state championship competitions.

The takeaway

The Brainerd Warriors track and field teams had a strong showing at the Sartell Sabre Quad, with several athletes earning first-place finishes and the girls' team finishing third overall. These early-season performances indicate the Warriors have the talent to contend for titles later in the year.