Girls’ 4×400 relay team moves on to divisionals
Sophomore Madeline Clark is about to begin her race in the 4x400m.
May 29, 2014
The final results for the girls’ track team had qualified runners move on to divisionals. The 4x400m relay team was able to qualify for this event. Coach Jay Fishburn thought this was a big step for the girls.
“It was a good season for the relay team,” Fishburn said. “The 4x400m relay team got third in league, which is a big accomplishment.”
The girls on the 4x400m relay team are sophomores Madeline Clark, Melissa McDonald, Rachael Fernandez, and senior Taylor Hurlock.
Being the only female senior to move on to divisionals in the 4x400m relay, Hurlock felt good about making it this far.
“It felt great to be able to compete at divisionals for the first time in my three years of track,” Hurlock said. “It was an awesome experience being able to compete with such competitive teams.”
Hurlock participates in the mile run, 800m, and the 4x400m relay, which she was asked to fill in for at the beginning of the season.
“My best times this season was 6:10 in the mile, 2:38 in the 800m, and 4:22 for the 4x400m relay,” Hurlock said.
Also competing in the 4x400m with Hurlock is sophomore, Melissa McDonald. McDonald is excited to move on to divisionals.
“Making it to divisionals feels amazing,” McDonald said. “Knowing that most of my relay teammates are young blows my mind.”
Hurlock gets inspiration from her coaches and her fellow teammates.
“Coach McCullough really helped motivate and listen to me in my three years of track,” Hurlock said. “My long distance teammates have also served as a second family. I will miss all them when I go off to college.”
Hurlock will be attending to Azusa Pacific University where, hopefully, she will walk on the track team. Instead of getting inspiration from her teammates and coaches, McDonald takes another approach on who her role model is in track.
“My dad has helped me the most in track, especially with my mental strength,” McDonald said. “He may not be on the track with me, but he gets me through all my mental blocks by encouraging me to do my best.”
McDonald’s dad participated in track in high school. He ran the 4x400m relay and hurdles.
Hurlock achieved many of her goals that she set at the beginning of the season and that she is very proud of accomplishing.
“I cut off about 19 seconds off my 1600m time from the beginning of my season,” Hurlock said. “I also cut off 14 second off my 800m time and those improvements that I made, I am very proud of what I have accomplished.”
Fishburn was glad that the girls’ track season ended well.
“They had a good season and placed in divisionals,” Fishburn said. “What also is impressive is that this team is young.”
The girls’ 4x400m relay team section race will be held on May 21 at Elk Grove High School.
