Iowa Prep Track & Field Timeline & Overview
(Revised March 26, 2015)
State Track Meet Timeline
1890’s High schools hosts various invitational meets University of Iowa hosts annual invitational meet for Iowa
high schools and expanded to high schools in the Midwest
1906 I.H.S.A.A. holds its first ever State Championship Meet in Iowa City; the meet which was an “open”
competition. Ida Grove won the team title with 46 points. Scoring was 5-3-1 for individual competitions
and the two relay events (880 and mile); no restriction on the number of events an individual could have
1910 Last year for Hammer Throw. Scoring changes to 5-3-2-1 in all events.
1912 Competitors limited to three events with two being either running or field events
1924 Number of events an individual could compete in raised to four with no more than three running events
1926 District meets used to determine State Meet qualifiers in each event.
1926 Javelin added to list of field events
1928 Scoring in all events expands to five places: 5-4-3-2-1
1934 120 Yard High Hurdles reduced from 42 inches to 39 inches in height
1935 200 Yard Low Hurdles replaces 220 Yard Low Hurdles; 440 yard relay, Mile Medley, and Two Mile Relays
added. Scoring expands to 6-4-3-2-1 for individual events and 8-6-4-2-1 in relays
1939 Weight of the Discus reduced from 4 lbs. 7 oz. to 3 lbs. 9 oz.
1941 Last year for the javelin throw
1942 Football Throw added to list of field events
1948 State Meet split into two classes
1951 180 Yard Low Hurdles replace 200 Yard Low Hurdles
1953 State Meet moved to four classes
1963 Last year for the football throw
1968 Two Mile Run added to list of events
1971 Six places earn points: Individual – 6-5-4-3-2-1; Relays – 10-8-6-4-2-1
1973 State Meet moves from one-day event, with the addition of a Friday afternoon session.
1977 Scoring for individual events changes to 7-5-4-3-2-1; relays stay at 10-8-6-4-2-1
1978 Running events changed from yards to meters; FAT timing at State Meet at Drake Stadium
1979 400 meter low hurdles added to the list of events
1983 Class 4-A drops district qualifying and uses regular season performances for state meet qualifying
1989 Last year for the pole vault
1990 Classes 2A and 3A drop district qualifying and use regular season performances for state meet qualifying
1990 Wheelchair events added to the State Meet (100, 200, 800 meters, shot put and discus)
2003 Iowa has first in the nation status as Wheelchair Team Champion is contested with Marshalltown winning;
800 meter wheelchair dropped and 400 meter added. First time State Meet scores eight places in all
events: Individual Events – 8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1; Relays – 10-8-6- 5-4-3-2-1
2004 All 4 classes return to district meets for state meet qualifying
2005 First Co-ed State Track & Field Meet, May 19-21. Scoring in all events (8 places): 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 event
eligibility rule changed to allow an athlete to compete in four running events or four field events or any
combination of the two equally four
2007 4 x 110 Meter Shuttle Hurdle Relay is added to the list of state events
2008 Height of Hurdles in Shuttle Hurdle Relay moved from 30” to 33” effective in 2009
2011 District Meets changed to State Qualifying Meets
2012 State Indoor Team Champions, Runner-up posted on IHSAA website – Track Archives
2013 State Indoor Event Champions posted on the IHSAA website – Track Archives
2014 Record number of wheelchair athletes (7) compete in 100 Meters at the State Meet.
2015 110th IHSAA State Track Championships a part of the 11 State Coed T& F Championships, May 21-23