News Summary

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) girls track and field state finals showcased incredible talent at Eastern Illinois University. Senior Emma Randecker from West Carroll High School made history by winning all three sprint events and setting new Class 1A state records. Other local athletes also excelled, earning medals and contributing points to their teams. The community spirit shone brightly as dedicated fans supported the competitors, highlighting the pride in local schools and athletes.

Local Star Shines Bright at State Track Championships

Charleston, IL – The excitement in the air was palpable as the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) girls track and field state finals preliminaries unfolded at Eastern Illinois University. Over the course of two days, athletes showcased their incredible talent, paving the way for an unforgettable championship meet held on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

Record-Setting Performances!

One of the most thrilling stories emerged from the preliminaries, where Emma Randecker, a talented senior from West Carroll High School in Savanna, made history. With a stunning display of speed, Randecker dominated the sprint events, winning all three races: the 100m, 200m, and 400m. She not only took home the gold but did so while setting new Class 1A state records in both the 100m (11.91 seconds) and 200m (24.33 seconds). Her personal record of 55.78 seconds in the 400m further solidified her status as a top contender.

Randecker’s outstanding performance translated to a whopping 30 points for her team, helping them achieve a commendable sixth place overall. Talk about contributing to the team’s success!

Local Athletes Make Their Mark

But Randecker wasn’t the only local athlete shining under the lights. Aliza Dominique from Sherrard also turned some heads, earning a bronze medal with a commendable third-place finish in the Class 2A pole vault, boasting a best jump of 3.40m (11’1.75″). It’s great to see our local talent stepping up on such a big stage!

A slew of other local stars joined in on the medal haul with their own impressive achievements:

  • Savannah Streeter from Orion took third place in the Class 1A high jump, clearing a height of 1.61m (5’3.25″).
  • Cambridge’s 4×800 relay team found their spot on the podium with a time of 9:44.73, landing them in third place.
  • Fulton’s 4×100 relay team secured a third-place finish as well, clocking a time of 49.36 seconds.
  • Miraya Pessman, anchoring both the 4×100 and 4×200 relays for Fulton, set season-best marks, showcasing her dedication and skill!

The accolades keep rolling in, as Mercer County’s Alayna Mitchell snagged two medals—one for placing seventh in the 100m hurdles with a personal record of 16.41 seconds, and another for an eighth-place finish in the 300m hurdles.

Additionally, Emily Downing from Cambridge, who also contributed to that bronze-winning 4×800 relay, finished eighth in the 800m (2:17.50) and sixth in the 1600m (5:04.14). Talk about versatility!

Impressive Finishes and Participation

In the Class 1A discus event, Ellie Doubet from Cambridge made her presence felt, landing in fifth place with an impressive throw of 39.52m (129’8″). Brooklyn Petersen from Riverdale also made the finals with an eighth-place finish, tossing a distance of 37.61m (123’4″).

This championship meet truly highlighted the remarkable talent and determination of local athletes, with many participating and recording personal bests along the way. The event also saw Elena Rybak from Father McGivney capturing her fourth consecutive Class 1A state title in the 1600 meters, a feat that deserves a hearty round of applause!

Cheering from the Stands

Throughout the competitions, dedicated fans rallied behind their athletes, providing unwavering support that only fueled the competitors’ fire. Events like this remind us of the strong community spirit and pride we hold for our local schools and athletes.

As the dust settles from an electrifying weekend of athletic performances, it’s clear that these local athletes have made their mark and will be a source of inspiration for many to come!

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