Raiders Rock Track & Field Continental Leagues

Regis Jesuit’s Track and Field athletes pushed themselves to the limit during the two-day Continental Leagues Meet, battling rain, heat, and wind speeds of over thirty miles per hour to set personal records and secure spots in the 5A state championship meet.

Under ominous clouds, runners and fielders arrived at Echo Park Stadium on Thursday, May 4th, for prelims. The sky cleared just minutes before the first race began.

The girls 4×800 team (Seniors Jo Collins and Lucy Coughlon and juniors Ashlyn Pallotta and Erika Danzer) overcame injury and a devastating 13th place at the previous meet for an incredible 4th place finish.

The boys 4×800 team (Seniors Zion Taylor and John Burns, junior David Flaig, and sophomore Braeden Focht) placed 3rd with a time of 8:04, earning a spot at state for the first time in thirteen years.

D’Andre Barnes, the school’s 100-meter record holder, won the boys 100- and 200-meter dash prelims.

Fans returned to the stadium on Saturday, May 6th for finals. “It’s a really good energy. Everyone on the team is making sure everyone else…is ready for their race,” said freshman Elsa Snitker.

The sprinters’ running was just as impressive as prelims. Barnes took the crown in the 100- and 200-meter finals and was the final leg of the winning boys 4×100 relay, giving him a ticket to state. Senior Charlie Dutmer shaved one second off his prelims time, finishing 3rd in the boys 110-meter hurdles. On the girl’s side, junior Catherine Stava placed 9th in the girls 200-meter dash.

Collins, Regis Jesuit’s 800- and 1600-meter record holder, doubled up in the girl’s 1600- and 800-meter runs (2nd, 6th).

In field events, senior boys pole vaulter Sullivan Martin cleared twelve feet, nine inches. Two Raiders finished in the top-five of the girls high jump. Junior Dorothy Freeman (2nd) and freshman Erin Cribs (4th) both cleared four feet, eight inches.

“This has probably been my favorite track season ever,” said Coach Bruno, the girls distance coach. “Everybody’s committed, dedicated. We’re PR-ing every single week.”