south hamilton’s ty koehnk celebrates after winning the Class 2A 400-meter dash in Des Moines on Thursday. (Photo by Quinn Douglas)

DES MOINES — Even after blazing his way to a state title here Thursday, Ty Koehnk couldn’t help but talk about his teammate, Kolby Hodnefield.

Koehnk, a senior, clocked a time of 48.39 to win the Class 2A 400-meter dash on the blue oval inside Drake Stadium for South Hamilton. He finished almost a full second ahead of runner-up Alex Razee from Shenandoah.

Hodnefield, a sophomore, placed fifth in 49.71 as he also set a new personal record along with Koehnk, who clocked the fifth-fastest time in Iowa this year.

“It was an amazing feeling to see the result of all of the hard work the entire team puts in,” Koehnk said. “None of what I’m able to do is possible without them. The most special part of the whole race is running it with Kolby.

“As a sophomore, he’s an unbelievable athlete and the sky’s the limit for him. I couldn’t be prouder for him and excited to see what he accomplishes in the future.”

Koehnk was the lead-leg on the winning 4×400-meter relay last spring and ran the anchor on the sixth place 4×200 and sprint medley relays. Koehnk and Hodnefield will both be running on the 4×200, 4×400 and distance medley relays later this week, with Hodnefield also on the sprint medley.

“This is an unbelievable confidence booster going into our next events,” Koehnk said. “I know for me it helps instill a level of composure and confidence going into the next couple days. It’s also helped me realize how special it is to share this weekend with my teammates who’ve worked so hard all year.

“I know for all of the guys our confidence is through the roof and we are excited to finish the year strong.”

South Hamilton head coach Kyle Galetich added that “both Ty and Kolby have been working hard.”

“The challenge was jumping up in competition,” Galetich said, “and how would that translate and how would we react when there were people to run with.”

Cici Herrick finished 22nd in the 400 for the Hawks with a time of 1:04.95. Bailey Vos of Pella Christian won the race in 57.08.