DES MOINES — A pair of track and field standouts from the region will compete this week at “America’s Athletic Classic. Charles City’s Kiki Connell and Riceville’s Abby Marr have qualified for the 2018 Drake Relays in Des Moines.

Connell, a freshman, qualified in the 3,000-meter run. Only 21 girls are accepted. Her time of 10:44.53 from a meet April 12 in Decorah is the 19th best in the state as of Monday, April 23. Connell finished sixth individually at the 2017 Iowa Class 3A Cross County State Championship meet.

Connell will run on the blue oval of Drake University’s stadium on Thursday, April 26. The race begins at 5:40 p.m.

Marr, a junior, will compete in shot put on Thursday and discus on Friday, April 27. The events begin at 4:30 p.m and 9 a.m., respectfully.

Marr’s put of 38 feet, 11.05 inches at Pella on March 17 is currently the 17th best on the state. Her discus throw of 124-10 at Decorah on April 12 is 15th best.

Pella