Area girls excited to compete at state track and field meet this week

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The first championships for high school spring sports are being decided this weekend.

Area athletes are heading to Charleston for the girls state track and field meet.

“I think it’s really special,” said U-High senior Reese Mitchell. “Not many athletes get the chance to compete on the blue track and compete against some of the best athletes in Illinois.”

Mitchell has qualified to run on the blue track at Eastern Illinois in the 100 meters and 4×100 and 4×200 relays.

“It’s a lot different than any other meet. You have more nerves,” said Heyworth junior hurdler Kyra Denning. “There are faster people so it’s good competition.”

The class 1A prelims are Thursday, the 2A and 3A state prelims are Friday. The state finals are Saturday.

“It’s crazy. You’re energetic and ecstatic to be there,” said Dee-Mack junior Kenzie Knowles, a state qualifier in the 100-and-200 meters. “You know that everybody who is there wants to be there and they are all working that hard to beat you. I am super excited to see everybody there. And I’m excited to run against really fast girls and push myself a little bit more.”

El Paso-Gridley junior Aubrey Phillips finished second in the 1A high jump last year. She’s vying for a state title this year.

“I like competing against myself and my heights,” said Phillips, who also has qualified for state with the Titans 4×100 and 4×200 relays. “If I win in the process, that would be nice. I just want to get some high heights.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.