Helen Sachs, Anna Tilden earn Holland Sentinel Girls Track and Field Athletes of the Year

In a year where 113 athletes from the area qualified for the state track and field finals, there were bound to be some stellar performances.

There were plenty, especially in the girls meets.

Anna Tilden finished her stellar career with an all-state performance in the throws, while Helen Sachs ran her way to multiple all-state distance runs and anchored the state champion 4x800 relay.

Sachs was selected as the Holland Sentinel Girls Track Athlete of the Year, while Tilden is the Field Athlete of the Year.

Tilden, a Zeeland East senior, took fourth in discus (138-8) and 17th in shot put (35-1 1/4).

"The state meet this year was very memorable for me because it was my last time throwing ever and the last time competing with my amazing teammates and coaches," Tilden said. "I was proud of placing fourth in the state even though I ended up being tough on myself and feeling like I could’ve performed better."

It was her highest placement at the state meet, though it was not her first time earning all-state honors.

This year, she won the OK Green Conference title in both the shot put an discus, then won the Division 1 regional title in discus, setting up a stellar state meet.

"This year of track and field was super special to me because of our team efforts and accomplishments," she said. "Being a two-time conference champ and winning disc at regionals was a very special memory for me. My team was behind me for it all and helped push me to be better this whole season. I wouldn’t be able to say I’ve had all these accomplishments without my team being there to support me."

While Tilden was throwing her way to all-state honors, Sachs was doing the same thing on the track.

The West Ottawa junior finished fourth in the 1,600 (4:51.51). Sachs also took fifth in the 3,200 (10:27.13).

But the crowning moment was what she did with her teammates.

Sachs, who battled back from injuries and an eating disorder that sidelined her last year, anchored the Division 1 state championship in the 4x800 relay. Sachs teamed with Emma Gunnett, Ella Wierks and Collette Wierks to win the state title in 9:00.2.

"It is just super emotional. Last year, I had just gotten out of treatment and I came to state to support everybody. All I was allowed was a 30-minute walk," Sachs said at the state meet. "To anchor the 4x800 and bring it home for a state championship is just really nice.

"It means a lot to our team. Last year was hard. Coming back strong means a lot."