Polk Athletes Qualify for State Track Championships

Sam Rhein leads the way with top seeds in long jump and triple jump

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Polk County will have 12 qualifying entries in Wednesday's NCHSAA 3A Indoor Track & Field State Championships at JDL Fast Track in Winston-Salem. Sam Rhein leads the Wolverine boys with three individual entries, ranking as the top seed in the long jump and third seed in the triple jump while also competing in the shot put. Other Polk qualifiers include Danny Bradley in the 300-meter dash, Leah Dotson in the pole vault, and the girls 4x800 relay team.

Why it matters

Qualifying for the state track championships is a major accomplishment for high school athletes, showcasing their hard work, talent, and dedication to their sport. Polk County's strong representation at the meet highlights the strength of their track and field program and the potential for their athletes to bring home state titles.

The details

Sam Rhein enters the long jump with a season-best mark of 21 feet, 6 inches, ahead of the second-seeded jumper. His triple jump mark of 41 feet, 7.5 inches trails only two other competitors. Rhein is also the eighth seed in the shot put. Other Polk qualifiers include Danny Bradley in the 300-meter dash, Leah Dotson in the pole vault, Renee Bright in the 55-meter hurdles and 500-meter dash, and the girls 4x800 relay team.

  • The NCHSAA 3A Indoor Track & Field State Championships will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.

The players

Sam Rhein

A Polk County high school athlete who is the top seed in the long jump and third seed in the triple jump, and also qualified in the shot put.

Leah Dotson

A Polk County high school athlete who is the third seed in the pole vault.

Renee Bright

A Polk County high school athlete who qualified in the 55-meter hurdles and 500-meter dash.

Polk County girls 4x800 relay team

A team of Polk County high school athletes who qualified in the 4x800 meter relay.

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What’s next

The NCHSAA 3A Indoor Track & Field State Championships will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, where Polk County's athletes will compete for state titles.

The takeaway

Polk County's strong representation at the state track championships showcases the depth and talent of their high school track and field program. Their athletes have worked hard to qualify for this prestigious meet, and have the potential to bring home state titles for their school and community.