By JT Koch / Spill Editor
The NPHS Track team sent seven athletes to compete in their indoor state competition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This competition is the end to the indoor track season and only lets the top 24 athletes in the state compete in each event.
Senior Abigail Journay stands out having qualified for three different events in the competition. With performances in high jump, long jump and the distance medley relay. Journay is familiar with the competition as she has qualified for high jump every year.
“I think I expected it for high jump because I have gone every year, but the other two events were more of a surprise. No matter how many times our distance medley team was told that we would make it, I didn’t quite believe it until it happened. And then the long jump was obviously completely out of the blue because I had never attempted the event before,” Journay said.
While Journay is used to performing well in her other events, long jump left an impression as she is still new to the event only having started this season. Journay closed the indoor season jumping 16 feet and 10 inches in the long jump and five feet two inches in the high jump.
“I don’t think any of my performances were great, honestly. But if I had to choose one, I think long jump was something I can be proud of. Getting to state and placing 10th, after jumping at only two meets previously, is an accomplishment. Even without an ‘out of this world jump,’” Journay said.
The distance medley relay, 3200 meter relay and the 3200 meter run were all the running events NPHS had teams in. Junior Olivia Weaver ran in both relays and led the 3200 meter relay. This was her first time running at the state meet.
“I was very excited after I found out my relay teams qualified for state because it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve and it has been a goal of mine since I started high school track,” Weaver said.
“I believe that our 4×8 relay had the best shot at performing the best because we were all fresh and had no events prior to the race. For the DMR, we all had one or more events to compete in before the relay which could slow our times down because we’re all tired.”
Weaver ran a season PR of 2 minutes and 33 seconds to start her team off in the 3200 meter relay and ran 2 minutes and 38 seconds for 800 meter leg of the distance medley relay. Weaver was the fastest leg of her 3200 meter relay team.
“I was satisfied with my performance in the 4×8 because it was a personal record for the season and I feel like I tried my best to set up my other teammates for a good race. I was disappointed in my performance in the distance medley relay because I ran a lot slower than I was hoping to, but I wasn’t too upset at myself because I had ran a PR prior to it,” Weaver said.
With the outdoor track season started the team has many new opportunities to perform and attempt to return to state in their outdoor season as well. The team is currently preparing for their county meet in May.
“I’m just incredibly proud of everyone that competed in state. The indoor season was so great for the entire team and it shows with the five events that competed and held their own against the best of the best. Even though I feel like I could have performed better, I’m so thankful for the opportunity to compete with my best effort and watch my teammates do the same,” Journay said.