Sun shines through the Hickman High School hallway outside the gymnasium as Asia Walker sits and leans against the wall with her eyes closed, focusing on the task before her: running the 400-meter run and doing the long jump in front of 7 to 8,000 people.
The MSHSAA State Track and Field Championships take place today and Saturday at Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Hickman qualified 10 athletes, six boys and four girls, and Rock Bridge qualified 11 girls at last weekend’s sectional in Camdenton.
Walker waits for the rest of her team to begin her final day of practice before the competition.
“I get nervous. Concentrating is the hardest part,” Walker said. “It’s mental in the long jump. If you believe you can do it, you can.”
Aileen and Brianne Gallagher, seniors who will compete in the 2-mile run join Walker, a sophomore. Shana White, who will run in the 100-and 200-meters and compete in the triple jump, is the Kewpies’ final girls’ competitor.
“This group is the most mature, most consistent, most reliable group we have ever had,” Hickman coach Steve Luetjen said. “The bulk of individuals know what to expect with the noise and excitement of the meet.”
Hickman also has qualified a seasoned group of boys for the meet. Senior Stuart Denson, who placed eighth in the long jump last year, joins Kewpies’ state championship football player Cedric Alvis and two-time state cross-country champion Tim Cornell, who will be defending his 1600-meter state title from last year.
“Tim is a unique individual,” Luetjen said. “He has positioned himself for another run at it.”
Brady Bounds, Ryan Florence, Denson and Alvis, will run in the 4x400 relay, with Jake Viers as an alternate.
After a quick meeting, the group walks out to the track. Luetjen tells his team to prepare in the same way as they always have throughout the year and reminds them to do what they have always done, and the results will show.
“They are a fun group to be around, but when it comes to business, they are all business,” Luetjen said.
Rock Bridge did not qualify any boys to the state meet, but 11 girls will compete and coach Neal Blackburn said they have good chances to win lots of medals.
Junior Hannah Terwelp was a sectional champion in the shot put and freshman Lauren Borden was a sectional champion in the 800 meters, while junior Amanda Hanson placed second sectionals in the high jump.
The other eight Bruins athletes will compete in the 4x400 and 4x800 meter relays.
“They have been doing a great job in the here and now,” Blackburn said. “I told them to shine in the moment they’re given.”