After a drought of postseason triumphs for the boys’ track and field squad, Park will once again send athletes to the State competition.

At the Sections meet at Robbinsdale Cooper High School on May 30, seniors Denzell Oats and Liban Osman both qualified for the State meet June 8 at Hamline University in St. Paul in the high jump competition.

Oats jumped 6-3 and Osman cleared 6-1, finishing first and second respectively at the sections meet, and they will be the first track and field athletes to represent Park at State since 2008.

No other jumpers were able to jump higher than 5-11 at the Section meet at Cooper.

Osman, who joined the track team last year, said competing in the high jump with Oats has been a great experience for him.

“High jumping with Denzell this year has created a strong friendship between us,” Osman said.

“My best memories of track so far have been when Denzell and I have competed in the relays, and when he was able to jump 6-4,” Osman said.

According to coach Richard Keith, the triumphs of Oats and Osman were a pleasant surprise. He said their accomplishments are great ones considering Park’s history.

“Typically our section is very tough, so to qualify two kids was outstanding,” Keith said. “The fact that they were up there (on the medal stand) is surprising, and it may be one of our best showings.”

As a team, Park also placed better than in past years, placing eighth out of 18 teams in the Section.

In addition, Oats said that he would like to build on his awards at the Section meet with a strong performance at the State competition.

“I don’t just want to be at the meet simply to compete,” Oats said.

“My goal is to end up on the podium, to jump my best to the level that I know I can,” Oats said.