Saints ready for state track

CEDAR RAPIDS - With the track season coming to an end, the Xavier boys' and girls' track and field teams are geared up to finish their seasons strong and compete well at state.

The state meet starts Thursday at Drake Stadium in Des Moines.

While the year is coming to a close, the seniors are remembering this past season.

'I'm going to miss all my teammates,” said senior Molly Breitbach, a sprinter for the girls' team. 'We've been improving all season and growing together as a team.”

The girls' team has run all of its members, freshmen through seniors, on varsity because of a lack of numbers. The girls receive opportunities not many other big schools offer. Despite the youth, the girls have performed well all season and have high hopes for the state meet.

'The underclassmen have given the seniors a really amazing season,” Breitbach said. 'We really push each other everyday to prepare for state.”

The state qualifying meet was held May 15. Sophomore Nick Stark won the 100 meter dash and long jump. Senior Miles Sullivan placed second in the 200. The girls' 400 relay (sophomore Sydney Oakley, junior Taylor Skala and seniors Allison Schwach and Breitbach) placed second and Breitbach placed second in the 100.

Editor's note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you'd like to join The Gazette's growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com