On Saturday March 25, history was made by the HSE girls track team. The girls distance medley relay team had a time of 12:19.86 which beat out Floyd Central for first place. The Royals’ time, however, set a new indoor school record by 12 whole seconds. The team is made up of junior Margaret Powers, senior Julianne McLean, senior Grace Newton and sophomore Elizabeth Butler. The distance medley relay begins with a 1200-meter leg, then followed by a 400-meter leg, an 800-meter leg, and finally, a 1600-meter leg to close out the race. 

   “All four girls ran well to win that race,” coach Julie Alano said. “The anchor, Elizabeth Butler, just would not be denied as Floyd Central attempted to pass her about 10 times.”

   That strong showing at Indoor State reflects how the season has unfolded thus far. The Royals finished third at Indoor State and similarly placed third on March 11 at the Hoosier Crossroad Conference Indoor Meet. 

   “Only a few of our 130 athletes were able to compete indoors,” Alano said. “[However], the entire team has been working very hard and is excited to show off the work.”

   Their first meet following the Indoor State Finals was March 29 against the Carmel Greyhounds and the Royals fell short against their Hamilton Country counterparts. The meet was close throughout but the Royals lost by two points. The Royals still won several events though. Freshman Chloe Senefeld, Elizabeth Butler and junior Elise Herman won the 400-meter, 800-meter and 3200-meter respectively. Furthermore, junior Elaina Constantine placed first in the shot put, freshman Riley Williams won the pole vault and the 4×800-meter team of Newton, Herman, Powers, and freshman Katelyn Evans also won their event.

   “Our focus is now the state meet in June,” Alano said. “Each meet in the state tournament is a little different, but we hope to continue our success at the Sectional and Regional level as well as place in the top 5 at state.”

   This team was looking to repeat their success from a season ago when they won their sixth straight conference sectional, and it seems as if they maybe well along the way. The strong showings at Indoor State and in their meet against Carmel show a possible road to victory as the Royals look to make a statement this young season.