On Tuesday, May 6, many athletes from the Track Team ran at WPIAL Qualifiers for the chance to move on to finals.
It was clear, sunny, and beautiful day, and all athletes had a good feeling about their races and events.
Everyone was excited for the chance to go to WPIALs, but you couldn’t talk to any other people more excited than the 4×800 relay team. These girls had a very good chance of making it to WPIALs. This race also showed them their rankings for States.
Amy Bogan, one of the runners in the 4×800 explained how she mentally prepared herself before the race.
“For the past few days, I mentally told myself I was going to PR (personal record) and telling myself where I was going to kick at the 300 and 150 meter mark, and that I had to stay in first the whole time.”
Bogan also recounts how she felt during and after the race.
“I just wanted to catch the girl. I was just driving, I kept telling myself you’re fine, you can do it, push through it.”
Bogan said that she was so lucky to have been able to run the race. She had some heart problems at the beginning of the season, and almost was not able to run the race. But in the end, everything worked out for her.
She ran a 2:26 for her 800 time, which is her personal record.
“When Karissa finished I was ecstatic and haven’t stopped smiling since,” Bogan said.
The girls 4×800 team won their race and are seeded second at WPIALs. These girls consisted of Courtney Conway, Amy Bogan, Danielle Hinish, and Karissa Coffield.
Many other people qualified as well, such as the 4×100 relay team and some individuals.
Karissa Coffield, who also ran the mile and qualified, recounted what it was like before, during, and after her race that day.
Before the race, she said she kept telling herself that she was going to get a PR.
Coffield said, “If you believe, you will achieve!”
During the race, Coffield said she was pushing herself to the limit.
After the race, Coffield said, “It was an enormous rush of happiness, relief, and like I was on top of the world!”
Coffield finished 8th in her race and moved on to Finals.
Danielle Hinish also ran in the 3,200 meter race or the 2 mile race.
To prepare, Hinish said, “I try to eat healthily a few nights before and the day of. Also I drink lots of water and Gatorade.”
Some of the fastest girls were in this race. Hinish said she was very nervous seeing everyone lined up especially since many of them were very good runners.
During the race, Hinish said, “I was trying to focus on good form, staying relazed, and maintaining a pace.”
Once Hinish was done with her eight laps on the track, she ended up in 4th and was able to go on to Finals. She said she wasn’t too excited with her time but was very excited with the chance to run her favorite race at Finals.
Finally, the 4×400 relay race started. This race was very exciting, and one that you would not want to miss.
Bethel’s 4×400 runners were Cailey Klink, Katelyn Hancock, Maria Capozzi, and Hannah Enderby.
Cailey Klink, the first runner on the relay team, said how she mentally prepared for the race.
“I picture the race for nearly a day repeating the time I wanted and imagined how I would run each stretch of the race.”
During the race, Klink was so determined and kept telling herself not to give up. She truly pushed herself to the limit.
After the race, Klink was nervous to see if her and her team would make it into the top eight since there was another heat to go.
Klink, though, said that one thing got her through her race.
“What helped me through the race was how supportive my teammates were. All day leading up to the race, they talked me through the nerves, and during it they all shouted and cheered the 4×400 on. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Cailey Klink finished her race in 63 seconds, which is a personal record for her.
Even though her and her teammates all had PRs, they lost by .03 of a second to Baldwin.
Everyone that participated in the races in WPIAL Qualifiers did an amazing job and should be happy with all the results. Congratulations to all athletes on the Bethel Park Track Team!
For complete results, click here.
