Girls' Track Team place First at State Meet!

Congratulations Lady Royals - State Champs 2008!

Team at District Meet

Team at Regional Meet

Girls’ Track Team Brings Home First State Title
The members of the 2008 girls’ track team, building on some of last season’s success, finally saw their effort pay off as they brought the first state title in any girls’ sport to CVCA. The goal for the season was to be in the top three teams this season and then to make a push for it all the following year; although apparently none of them minded that the process sped up a bit!

Along the way, the season was full of hard work and record-setting performances, none of which could have been accomplished without God’s healing hand and the comfort and confidence that He gave the girls throughout the season. Once again, the Lady Royals remained undefeated in the PAC-7 league dual meets and won the championship by winning 13 out of 17 events and setting eight new PAC-7 records. Knowing that was just one of their goals for the season, they headed into the District Meet with a few more goals to chase. In the end, the girls walked away from a hard-fought battle with the projected state champs in Warrensville with a three-point District win. The team qualified a record 12 girls to the Ravenna Regional Division II in a record 15 events. Proving too strong for Warrensville once again, the Royals won their first Regional Meet since 1989 by a 28-point margin.

Heading into the State Meet, the team qualified a record 11 girls in 11 events. Carolyn Case (800, 1600, 4x400, 4x800) and Jeanette Pettigrew (100, 200, long jump, 4x100) qualified in a record four events each. Joining them were Katie Gillespie (1600, 3200, 4x800), Brittany Fabris (4x800), Irene Frangos (4x800), Brittainy Erby (4x00), Taylor James (4x100), and Katie Engerer (4x100), Sarah Rasnick (pole vault), Tamara Lewis (4x400), and Lisa Worthey (4x400).

The 4x800 relay team began the weekend by securing a state title. Katie Gillespie then won her first individual state titles in both the 1600 and 3200. Not to be outdone, Jeanette Pettigrew placed in three events, fifth in both the 100 and 200 and third in the long jump. Sarah Rasnick, after placing ninth last year, vaulted all the way to a second-place finish with a new school record jump of 12 feet. Rounding out the points scored for the weekend, Carolyn Case achieved fifth place in the 1600 and seventh place in the 800, along with anchoring the 3200 relay to the title. When all events were completed and points were totaled, the CVCA girls ran away with a 60-43 victory.

Throughout the post season and regular season, the team faced many injuries and doubts along the way. However, the blessing of participating in a Christian team is lifting up one another to God in prayer.

All of the girls that contributed to the 60 points scored at the State Meet will return next season. The girls were amazed at the support that they enjoyed from school administrators and fellow classmates, as well as family members. If you didn't get a chance to support this outstanding team, they plan to make a run for the State Title next year too!


Track 2008 Video
(Produced by Sarah Rasnick for Video Editing 3)