By Megan Carlson
Girls Head Track Coach
The state qualifying meet always brings with it a lot of emotions. For some kids it is a chance to compete at the State Meet, for others it is the last time they will ever compete in a track meet.
As always, there were highs and lows, some smiles and tears at this meet, on Thursday, May 9, in Sigourney.
Chloe Snook led the charge and secured her bid to state in three different events. She worked very hard in the off-season and continues to grow as a leader on the team.
Chloe will compete at the State Meet in the 100, 200, and long jump. She hopes to improve her marks and finish strong at Drake Stadium.
The sprint medley relay was only .6 seconds away from qualifying and they learned some important lessons from being in that moment.
Other highlights of the meet include a strong finish in the 800 by Ellen Cook, who took on the distance trifecta working to finish her season hard. Ellen is one of the toughest kids on the team and she works very hard, however, the cards were not in her favor this year. Still, she never quit and gave it all she had.
Sydnee Burgess ran a great 200 and started to fill in that role for the team. She has improved so much and is stepping up as a leader in many different aspects of the team.
Sadly, this meet concludes the careers of our seniors. Sam Bos worked hard during her career and was always willing to do what the team needed, even if that meant running a 3,000.
Makenna Johannes ran one of her best seasons of track and helped to lead so many of the younger girls in the middle-distance races. We love her fire and ability to fight all the way to the finish.
Ashlee Eilander is our Swiss Army knife who has competed in all 18 events on the track. She was a solid leader for the hurdle crew this year. We will miss her fun attitude and how she can make people smile.
Cam Brennan has stepped up a great deal in the past few seasons. She has battled some injuries, but she would push those around her and help to keep people accountable.
Laila Kercheval filled an open role on the team this year by hurdling. Laila always has a smile on her face and works to lift up all of those around her.
I will miss having these girls stop by in the room. All of them are tremendous young women who will make some great marks on the world. I have been blessed to coach these amazing athletes and I hope the best is yet to come their way.