Abbas, Heitland close out careers on Blue Oval

DES MOINES - AGWSR’s complement at the 2024 State Track and Field Championships may have only consisted of two guys, but they were the seniors the Cougars felt confident about on the biggest stage for the sport in Iowa. 

Although senior Kaden Abbas was making only his first appearance on the Blue Oval, he was already well qualified to run alongside the best in the 110 meter hurdles in Class 1A. Abbas was disqualified after winning the event at last year’s District meet. The disappointment fueled Abbas, who made good on his vow to make State as a senior in the event. 

“Last year just makes this season feel more satisfying,” Abbas said. “It means everything to come back and capitalize. I feel great.”

Abbas’s State debut saw him place third in the 110 meter hurdle prelims on Friday with a time of 15.26, moving on to the finals the next day. The Cougar senior stayed consistent even against the top eight in 1A, clocking in at 15.27 to remain in third place. 

“We’re really happy with the way Kaden ran this weekend,” AGWSR coach Bill Heubner said. “A year after the worst disqualification I’ve ever seen in track, he spent this time focused on getting to this year’s meet. For him to end up on the podium is a great accomplishment.”

Senior Aiden Heitland returned State for the second consecutive year in shot put, placing 15th one his first attempt of 46 feet and 6.5 inches. He fouled on his second and third attempts, trying to come up with a bigger throw and his momentum carrying him out of the ring. 

“His throws were better, but he couldn’t stay in that ring for them to count,” Huebner said. “It’s disappointing that it wasn’t a better finish for Aiden, but it’s a great accomplishment to make it down to State two years in a row.”

Both Abbas and Heitland have made their marks at AGWSR their senior year across football and wrestling together, and can add State track qualifiers to their Cougar resume. Now, it’s up to a young AGWSR track and field program to pick up where these two seniors left off. 

“We’re trying to build this program up the right way, and that’s credit to kids like Aiden and Kaden,” Huebner said. “They helped get their friends and classmates out for track this year and we’re excited about where this team is heading.”

“We filled up events well this season with more guys out,” Abbas added. “They’re young and have some maturing to do. They’ll get better and you’ll see some of them here in the next few years.” 

Next for Abbas is Central College, where he’ll play football for the Dutch. His decision started as a joke between himself and former Cougar Bo Gerbracht, who plays on the Central baseball team. 

“He talked a lot about how he liked being in Pella, how the coaches are good,” Abbas said. “As we talked about it, my PE teacher and others talked about me setting up a visit. I went down there and loved it. We kept in contact during my wrestling season and they’d message me ‘good luck’ and stuff like that. Everyone down there is very supportive.”

While Abbas made his biggest impact on the field with 1,000 yards rushing in both his junior and senior years, he knows the Dutch need some guys on the defensive side of the ball, and is open to whatever gets him on the field. 

“I want to be better than I was in high school, getting stronger as a person and moving outside of my comfort zone,” Abbas said. “Playing with new people will be exciting.” 

Kaden is the son of James and Shelby Abbas of rural Ackley. He’s also been involved in baseball and FFA during his time at AGWSR. His college major is undecided.