Central’s girls track program recorded a record sixth place finish at the IHSA State Championship and also brought home an individual State Championship with Senior Brooke Sawatzky’s performance in the long jump.
Other notable performances that helped contribute to the team’s 35 points included a runner-up finish by Sawatzky in the Triple Jump as well as a school record 4×800 meter relay that placed sixth. The meet took place on May 17-18 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.
“It was never about one person,” head coach Phil Allen said. “It was about our team and making our team better. I think it showed that no matter the conditions or who we are competing against, we’re going to compete for each other and for Naperville Central.”
It was the team’s highest finish at State in Central history, beating last year’s 10th place finish.
“The trophies, places and everything is great, [but] I think the memories that this team created are memories for a lifetime,” Allen said. “They’re gonna talk about all the good times we had, all these events, team dinners, tye-dyes and I think that’s what’s special about this group.”
Sawatzky set a personal record in her jump that wound up earning her the state champion title. The 18-foot, 8-inch long jump that earned her the title happened during the prelim round, and held in first place throughout the last flight of athletes.
“My teammates, my coaches, my friends, my parents, my family, everyone just jumped up and started screaming,” Sawatzky said. “Seeing the excitement on their faces really just reminded me of how amazing this moment was. It was crazy.”
