-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Matt Condon of Manson NW Webster compete in the boys 2A Long Jump on Thursday inside Drake Stadium

DES MOINES — Matt Condon knew he had one last opportunity to secure gold in the Class 2A long jump here Thursday at the state track and field championships.

And that was all the Manson Northwest Webster senior needed.

Condon toed the line and laid down a perfect jump of 22-6 to win his first state title over Tyson Seeser of Camanche, who had just taken the lead in the event on the jump prior.

Along with Condon’s gold-medal performance, his teammate, Alyssa Richman, scored another silver in the 3,000, breaking her own school record in the process.

For Condon, who will compete in three more events over the next two days inside Drake Stadium, this was the perfect way to start a busy final time competing.

“It’s pretty relieving to see my name at the top and finally get a good jump down here,” Condon said. “I’m feeling good about the other events and hoping to keep getting medals.

“I knew (my last jump) felt good right away; then I just hoped it was enough.”

Condon held the lead in the event with a jump of 21-7 on his second attempt. He also went 21-3, 20-8.75, 20-8.25 and 20-8, all which surpassed his best from his junior season.

Last year at state, Condon placed eighth in the long jump, high jump and 400 hurdles. He will compete in the high jump, 400 hurdles and 110 hurdles.

Richman, who will compete for Augustana University in the fall, earned her second straight silver in the 3,000, going 9:58.49 to break her own school record. Tipton’s Noelle Steines won her fourth straight title in the event in a time of 9:53.59.

“I’m incredibly happy with how the race went,” Richman said. “Not only was I prepared physically, but mentally as well. Heading in, I knew wanted to stay relatively conservative for the first half of the race. From there, it was just a fight to the finish. I did my best to create as much distance from Noelle as I could, because l knew she’d take it if it came down to a foot race. But, in the end, she was able to find that next gear with an incredible final lap. She is so kind and fully deserving of that title.

“Of course, it would have been amazing to come out with a win, but in all honesty, I couldn’t be happier — I gave everything I had and I am very proud of that.”

Kyla Egli gave the Cougars a third medal on the opening day, as she placed seventh in the long jump with a leap of 16-11.5. The senior also went 16-2.25 and 16-0 on previous attempts.

Junior Jack Hoeppner placed 21st in the 400, clocking a time of 53.25.

“It was awesome to see Matt walk away with a long jump title,” Richman said. “Along with Kyla placing seventh and Jack representing Manson Northwest Webster well in the 400.

“It was another amazing day for Cougar track and field.”