Blue Streaks track team goes in many directions

There were a variety of reasons that had many members of the Magnificat track team members spread across a trio of meets throughout the state and others with the weekend off.

But in the end, the Blue Streaks got what then wanted out of going in different directions.

"The weekend started with the distance crew at the Hilliard Darby Twilight Invitational," said Magnificat track coach Anjanette Arabian Whitman.

"The seven athletes who competed showed up ready to go for it all and they did," added the Blue Streak coach.

In a meet that was delayed for 40 minutes to allow thunderstorms to pass through, Mary Whitmore, Erin Riley and Abbie Marquard went 2-3-4 in the 800 meters while fighting off a driving rain and wind.

The weather was slightly less of a factor during the 1,600 run where Madeline Chambers conquered the event in a personal-, school- and meet-record time of 4:54.78. She was a full 14 seconds and change ahead of teammate and second-place finisher Kat Stultz.

The Blue Streaks also had another outstanding finish in the 3,200-meter run with Clare Fischer in control with a personal-, school- and meet-record time of 10:58.14. Abby Fischer, who took third, also clocked a personal best in 11:17.60.

Another mark fell before the Blue Streaks got back on the bus with a meet record of 9:34.39 in the 3,200 relay behind Riley, Marquard, Stultz and Chambers. It came during what proved to be the most challenging weather of the night when the rain came down hardest.

"It was a night that proved to be one of mental challenges that the ladies took head-on and overcame in fine fashion," said Arabian Whitman.

The sprint portion of the Magnificat varsity headed to the Austintown Fitch Optimist meet where the weather was much better.

Missing some runners due to the Magnificat prom, the Blue Streaks were led by Rachel Hlatky, who paced the team by fifth in the 100 in 12.75 and third in the 200 in 25.13, breaking her own school record....