REINBECK — Gladbrook-Reinbeck junior Kennedy Brant has set the bar high — literally — this season in the girls track and field high jump by taking gold over and over again in the event. And now, such prowess has led to a qualification for the prestigious 115th Drake Relays.

While Brant did not meet the Drake blue standard of 5 feet, 6 inches, before last week’s deadline to automatically qualify — although she did so this past Monday at Hudson — she boasted one of the top 24 performances in the state to advance. She qualified by clearing 5-4 and then added on to her top height with her leap of 5-5 at the Hudson Relays held on Tuesday, April 15, where she beat out the nearest competitor by two inches. She did so again on Thursday, April 17, by notching another gold medal finish by clearing 5-5 1/2 at the Mustang Relays held at East Marshall High School in Le Grand.

At Drake this week, she is seeded tied for seventh out of 30 qualifiers (top 24 plus ties). The girls high jump is scheduled for Friday, April 25, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The Drake Relays are hosted each spring by Drake University in Des Moines on the storied Drake Stadium “Blue Oval.” The meet is part of Drake Relays Week — widely considered one of the United States’ top track and field events. This year the Relays take place April 23-26.

Drake Relays live results can be viewed here: https://godrakebulldogs.com/sports/2015/11/24/DR_1124152133.