By: Lilly Buist: Editor in chief / J.T. Koch: Spill Editor
The Hoosier State Relays qualifiers at the University of Indianapolis saw several personal bests across the board. Most notably, seniors Abby Journay and Taylor Burke, and sophomores Hailey Pardieck and Mike Bauer, all broke records at these meets.
Journay broke the indoor long-jump record, with a jump of 17’10”.
“I was shocked. That entire night felt like a fever dream because I thought there was no way I could have broken the record on my fourth jump ever. I really enjoyed the new experience and now I can add a new event to my contribution to the team,” Journay said.
Journay is now working towards new goals for the outdoor season.
“My next goal is to get consistent in jumping in the 17s,” Journay said. “I would also love to make outdoor state in long jump. I’m excited to keep learning about this event and how I can get better.”
Bauer and Pardieck both broke records for the 3200-meter run, with times of 9:29 and 10:56 respectively.
“We have been increasing the mileage more than last year, while also making sure my recovery is good,” Pardieck said. “During races I also try to not go out too fast and die at the end, but maintain a good pace and finish strong.”
Burke broke the record for the 60 meter hurdles with a time of 10.17 seconds. However, she had no idea that she was “even close” to breaking this record.
“I think I walked up to (Coach Eric) Branch and said, ‘my arms were a little crazy; I think I could have gone faster.’ Then, he proceeded to tell me that I broke the record, and I was super excited,” Burke said.
Burke has been injured the past two track seasons, so she is looking forward to the coming season in a different light than others.
“My next goal is to set some more PR’s during the outdoor season. I want to make the most out of this season and prioritize my health,” Burke said.
Burke made one important change that she credits her success to at these meets.
“The only change I have made is being more confident in myself,” Burke said. “Before, it was always a, ‘what if I do this?’. Now, I just tell myself, ‘I will complete my goal,’ and it’s helped a ton. This small mindset change has allowed me to start making real progress.”
