Wildkats senior Lincoln Kranig climbs Class B rankings with dominant sprint campaign

May 9—KIMBALL, S.D. — Lincoln Kranig has sprinted into the Class B spotlight this spring, giving the Kimball/White Lake senior a breakout final season on the track.

Kranig has emerged as a consistent force in both the 100 and 200-meter dashes this season, helping lead the Wildkats in individual and relay events while continuing to climb the Class B rankings heading into the heart of the postseason.

Kranig most recently showcased his speed during the Meet of Legends in Burke on Tuesday, May 5, where he swept the sprint races by winning the 100-meter dash in 11.34 seconds and the 200-meter dash in 22.90 seconds. He also helped the Wildkats capture another victory in the 1,600-meter sprinters medley relay, where he runs the 400-meter third leg.

The victories added to an already impressive senior campaign. In the 100-meter dash, Kranig has collected first-place finishes in four of the six meets he has competed in this season. His top mark came at the Wagner Invitational on April 14, where he clocked a time of 11.04 seconds, currently the third-fastest time in Class B as of May 8. Only Bennett County's Rush O'Neill (10.86) and Ipswich's Kyle Hettich (10.87) have run faster this season.

Kranig said one of the biggest reasons for his improvement has come before he even reaches his top speed down the straightaway.

"My block starts have definitely improved the most from last year to this year," Kranig said. "Last year, I was really bad out of the start. I have really tried to make it a priority this year to start better off the blocks because now I am starting to get out in the front a lot more."

That stronger start has helped Kranig become even more dangerous in both sprint events, particularly in the 200-meter dash where he has remained undefeated this season. His best time is 22.57 seconds at the Bill Pistulka Invite in Winner on April 11.

That time also ranks third in Class B as of May 8, trailing only Hettich's 22.23 seconds and Dell Rapids St. Mary's Logan Bauer at 22.51. Kranig believes his ability to attack the curve earlier has been a major factor in improving his times.

"The top speed still feels about the same as last year, and the start is starting to feel really good," Kranig said. "Last year in the 200, I usually didn't pass everyone until I got to the straightaway, but now I have been able to get near the front of the pack by the time I am getting around the curves."

Even with his success in both races, Kranig said the 100-meter dash still presents a completely different challenge compared to the 200.

"In the 100, you need to be more perfect. And in the 200, you are able to make mistakes and still win," Kranig said of the event's differences. "But if you make one little mistake in the 100, it's over."

His growth this season has built upon a strong junior campaign a year ago. In 2025, Kranig posted a best time of 11.26 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays, where he placed 30th overall. He also earned a runner-up finish in the 200 at the Class B state meet after running a personal-best 22.02 seconds.