Paly girls’ track and field team competed in a challenging CCS finals meet, ultimately leading to their disqualification and brought their season to a close.
Several runners encountered difficulties throughout the competition, including sophomore Julie Yang.
“[My opponents and I] get into the blocks and the gunner says, ‘on your marks, set,’ when all of a sudden he has us stand back up again because one of the competitors needed to readjust her blocks,” Yang said.
This initial disruption did not seem to hold Yang back, as she started strong. Her goal — a spot at the state meet — seemed well within reach.
“I sprint out of the blocks; my coach later told me that was the fastest sprint to the first hurdle he has recorded from me,” Yang said. “I sprint through the first half of the race, and by the seventh hurdle, I began to realize that I’m actually in the front. I had the momentum going, and about the eighth hurdle, I was actually in second place, which would have secured me a spot at states.”
However, things quickly took an unfortunate turn. “Maybe it was from the lack of concentration, but my foot completely hooks the last hurdle, and I face plant into the track,” Yang said.
This mistake cost Yang a chance at competing for a state title. Despite this disappointing outcome, Yang still had a positive outlook on the meet.
“I’m not mad at myself, just disappointed at the missed opportunity, but the majority of that race was, without debate, the best hurdle race I’ve had in my whole track career.”
The 4×400 relay team also had a strong performance, breaking a school record: a moment that felt to the Vikings like a guaranteed ticket to the state meet.
“We beat our school record and we should be going to state,” junior Kailia Lemming said.
Unfortunately, the team’s celebration was short-lived due to a misunderstanding between Paly and Saint Francis.
“As our last leg of the relay was crossing the finish line, Saint Francis was trying to pass by and knocked the baton out of our anchor leg’s hand,” Lemming said. “Originally, Saint Francis was disqualified because the rulebook says that if you interfere with another team, you are disqualified. Saint Francis argued and had the official talk to their private juror, where he ultimately decided to disqualify us.”
Though the meet ended in disappointment, the team remains hopeful for the future. With strong performances under their belts, the Paly girls can hopefully come back next season and achieve their goals.
