Run it Back, Here Comes Irish Track

Two years ago, Hackett Boys Track and Field brought home its 2nd consecutive state championship title, and after falling short in 3rd place last year, the Irish are more determined than ever to take back their podium spot. The girls team, on the other hand, finished 28th, but with new faces and returning veterans, they have already shown their improvement with many Early Qualifiers (EQ) for the state meet. 

What is an EQ? Early Qualifiers happen when individual athletes or relays run, throw, or jump a certain time or height that allows them to solidify a spot in the state meet before regionals. The benchmark to qualify early is based on a three-year average of 6th-place finishes at the State Finals in each division. 

 Currently, our Track and Field teams have proven their dominance, having multiple EQs on both sides, girls and boys. Marek, an early qualifier in the 4x800 relay, 1600m, and 3200m, shared his thoughts on this upcoming state meet. “Last year we unfortunately placed 3rd overall as a team, but I think we are better than last year, so we’re hoping to win it all again.” Marek placed first in the 3200m last year and placed 3nd in the 1600m race, but his offseason dedication is going to pay off big time. 

For the girls, Emma Bartholomew, a senior, is ready to show out in her last meets. “Our last meet we won as a girls' team, which I think shows that we are capable of placing much higher this year at states.” The season is coming to an end, and with Regionals on Saturday, May 17th, the Hackett Track and Field team is ready to compete and show what it means to be a Fighting Irish.