-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Alyssa Richman of Manson NW Webster compete in 2A girls 3000 meter run on Thursday inside Drake Stadium

DES MOINES — Alyssa Richman ran just the kind of race she wanted to here Thursday at the opening day of the Class 2A state track and field meet.

In end result was a silver medal in the 3,000-meter run for the Manson Northwest Webster junior.

Richman shattered her previous best time by 13 seconds, posting a 10:20.05 that included a 73-second final lap. Tipton’s Noelle Steines, the three-time 1A state cross country winner who competed for Calamus-Wheatland in the fall, was the winner in 10:08.85.

“Coming into the race, I felt super prepared both mentally and physically,” Richman said. “The temperature was perfect and the wind was low. The 2A field is absolutely incredible this year. My goal was to focus on laps 3-to-6, and I felt like I was able to do a pretty good job executing that.

“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. I feel like I am still processing most of it. I couldn’t be happier. This was a huge confidence boost, and it reminded me why I do what I do.”

Last year, she was fourth in the 3,000 with a PR at the time of 10:37.31. Richman will also compete Saturday in the 1,500 where she placed sixth a season ago.

But Richman wasn’t the only Cougar to secure a medal inside Drake Stadium, as teammates Matt Condon and Kyla Egli also finished in the Top-8.

Condon was eighth in the long jump, leaping 20-7. The junior will also compete in the high jump and 400-meter hurdles on Friday.

Jack Miller of Jesup went 22-2.75 for gold in the event.

Last year, Condon was 19th in the long jump at 19-4.5. He also competed in both the high jump and 400 hurdles last spring.

“I came into (Thursday) feeling good, but I didn’t jump my best,” Condon said. “I’m a little disappointed with my performance but still very grateful for receiving my first state medal.

“I am hoping to perform more to my potential Friday and get a couple more medals.”

Egli, a junior, also finished eighth in the long jump. She had a best of 16-8.75 to set a new PR as Kinsey Mohwinkle of Aplington-Parkersburg was first with a jump of 18-0.

“Our team had a great day, as both Kyla and Matt medaled in the long jump,” Richman said. “It was a super exciting day for Cougar track and field.”