Sidney alums Leeling, Ahrens shine at Husker Holiday Open

LINCOLN, Neb. - Freshmen track and field athletes Karsyn Leeling and Chloe Ahrens, both graduates of Sidney High School, competed in their first collegiate track and field meet Friday at the 2024 Husker Holiday Open in Lincoln.

Leeling, now competing for the University of Nebraska, participated in the women's high jump event. Leeling secured a runner-up finish behind her teammate Jenna Rogers. Leeling finished with a leap of 5'9.25". Rogers continued to rewrite the Husker record books as she cleared 6-3 1/4 (1.91m), No. 1 in school history. 

Leeling made headlines earlier this year by becoming the first female in Nebraska high school history to clear six feet in the high jump, setting an all-class record.

Ahrens, representing the University of Nebraska Omaha, competed in the women's 60-meter hurdles. She finished 6th with a time of 8.05 seconds. Ahrens also had a distinguished high school career, winning gold in the 100-meter hurdles and silver in 300-meter hurdles at the NSAA State Track and Field Championships last spring. Her time in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2023 state meet was the fastest in all classes.