When speaking about our amazing runners, it should make us proud as a school of what they accomplish not just for the success they have, but because it’s against every school and every athlete in the state – no classifications. 411 institutions and thousands of athletes began the year with the goal of making it to Bloomington for the State Finals. Only 28 athletes qualify per event, and Chatard had athletes qualify in 6 events. Here is what your Trojans were able to accomplish
Curtis Richardson, 100m dash. Curtis qualified for the State Finals in the 100m dash with his career-best time 10.92, and the 3rd best time all-time at Chatard. Although Curtis missed the podium for the Finals, he does come into this year, pre-season ranked 7th in the state, looking to break the school record and take home a medal from State this year.
Mayan Stickel, high jump & 4x400m relay. In the high jump, Mayan was able to clear 5’3″, which is the 3rd highest in school history. She was one of only 3 Freshmen to qualify for the High Jump in the entire state, and returns this year with a pre-season ranking of 13th. She is also a key member and lead-off league for our 4×400.
Mary Bea Sowinski, 300h & 4x400m relay. Mary Bea came on the scene under the guidance of Beth Barnes, quickly tracking the senior down on the track. Mary Bea set the freshman school record, beating Beth’s freshman time by 3.5 seconds and less than 1 second away from the all-time school record (also Beth’s, for now). At the State Finals, Mary Bea finished an amazing 5th place and returns this year pre-season ranked #3 in the state. She is also nationally ranked – #18 among all sophomores in the country.
4x400m Relay: Beth Barnes, Katie Dietrick, Mayan Stickel, Mary Bea Sowinski. These girls worked hard all year long with one goal in mind. It was really special to see the two seniors bringing the freshmen along and even more exciting to watch them run at State where they were able to run the 4th fastest time in school history (just 1.5 seconds from breaking the record which they hope to do this year) and finished on the podium in 5th place in the state.
Overall it was a very successful season for the girls team – winning the City Championship for the 10th straight year (14 of last 16) and finishing 15th in the State as a team. Congrats and good luck on the upcoming year and go Trojans!