As the first leg starter of a two-time state participating Royalton Royals girls 4x100 relay team, Claire Prokott knows that timing and teamwork are everything, when competing in a relay event.
The team had three girls returning from the previous year, but had an open spot, which was filled by Hailie Wolbeck. Royals Head Coach Thomas Ebnet shared some of the strengths Claire showed last year, which made her the leader of the group.
“Claire was always comfortable, not only starting out of the blocks, but also starting with the baton in her hands in the blocks, which is a little different (compared to other roles in the 4x100),” said Ebnet. “So it was very easy to pick her as the leader again.”
Prokott stresses the importance of timing in the 4x100 relay event.. Even a tenth of a second matters to the team. Prokott also explained what she focuses on when starting the first quarter of the race.
“So it’s all about how you get out of the blocks and how you start with your arms and legs,” Prokott said. “...the main thing is to keep up with the first girl…”
As a long jumper, she’s stayed consistent, staying in the top five in eight meets in 2024. This includes third place finishes in the first three meets. During one her very last jumps of her high school career at the Section 5A Championship, Claire reached her personal best record of 16’ 0.75. This earned her seventh place in the event. Prokott said she enjoyed the thrill of the challenge.
“I like the adrenaline and the rush that it gives you,” she said.
At the State meet, Ebnet said he observed great talent from the opposing relay teams. He talked to the girls about how they needed to be confident, but nothing was guaranteed.
On the first day of the meet, the girls finished with a time of 50.26 and qualified for finals. The girls made Royals history on the second day, finishing in fourth place with a time of 49.92. Not only did this beat their last time at state in 2023, but also set a new school record, thanks to Prokott who set the pace.
“Claire did great…out of the blocks and it was nice to have everyone at the state meet hear the announcer mention Claire’s name in particular during the girls 4x100 final on the second day, when she had a really good start,…” Ebnet said.
Ebnet explained the decision to make her one of the captains in 2024 was her personality she shows around her teammates. With the Royals Track and Field team growing in numbers, she’s led the younger athletes through the daily routine and gives help when needed. Prokott has been proactive year round, partaking in volleyball, basketball and helping with theater production. As a teacher, Ebnet also sees her working hard in the classroom.
“…She’s a really, really great kid to have around and a really great student,”Ebnet said
Prokott made multiple memories during her career, making two consecutive state appearances, and also running with her sisters Lydia and Ella. She enjoys the tight-knit community involved in the Royals program.
“Compared to other sports, (Track and Field) practice is very comforting and so fun. You get to hang out with so many different people at different ages and I just love it. I’m really going to miss that.”
Joseph Guthrie’s senior year with the Upsala/Swanville Area Patriots was nothing short of fantastic, breaking six school records during the 2024 season. For running, he broke records in the 200 meter sprint (23.29), the 800 meter run (1:56.61), the 1,600 meter run (4:38.08) and the 4x400 meter relay (4:38.08). Guthrie also broke a record for the triple jump (43’11.75) and the high jump (6’5). Patriots Head Coach Pete Swisher said Guthrie looks for new events to try and does a lot of research to perfect his craft.
“He’s watching high jumpers and long jumpers and triple jumpers, trying to pick up the little things that they do to improve his performance,” Swisher said. “It was just a joy to watch him this year.”
Not only has Joseph proven to be one of the Patriots’ top performing athletes, but is a true leader. Swisher said he’d give advice to young athletes, helping them with their jumps and lead the distance runners in practice.
“...He was out there with them running, and encouraging and pushing kids, making sure they were doing what they were supposed to be doing,” said Swisher. “That leadership skill (is) exceptional.”
Guthrie competed in the long jump at State last season. This year, he held nothing back, qualifying in four events . He also took third in the high jump, with a height of 6 '5. He also placed fourth in the 800 meter run (1:56.61), took fifth in the triple jump, (34 '11.75) and finished 12th in the long jump (20' 7.5). He made All-State in three out of the four events.
Swisher said nobody would have guessed Guthrie would have had a great season as he did. An athlete competing in several events is something hard to come by.
“He’s one of those once in a generation athlete. I’ve had really good athletes. I never had an athlete quite like Joe as far as his ability to just go out and do whatever event he chose to do really well,” Swisher said
Joseph Guthrie went to the State meet with his brother Nicholas, who competed in the discus throw and placed 21st (133-06). His other brother Quinn also broke the school record in the 3,200 meter run (10:22.57). The Morrison County Record contacted Joseph multiple times, but did get a response before press time.
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