DES MOINES — Woodward-Granger’s Emma Drake was the lone Hawk in action at the State Track Meet Saturday, but the junior made the most of her appearance.
Drake had qualified in the 800 two years ago as a freshmen. She finished 11th overall, crossing in 2 minutes, 25.13 seconds.
She was a member of the state-qualifying 4×800 team that year, repeating as a member of the 2018 4×800 squad that ran at state and served as the anchor Thursday for the 4×800, marking the third consecutive season W-G had run at the state meet in the event.
Drake had not reached the state meet in the 800 last season, but erased that memory by qualifying this year as the 14th seed in 2:27.11.
On Saturday she made good on her second chance at the distance, running a personal best 2:24.92 to improve to ninth place, missing a state medal by just 2.29 seconds.
Sophomore Ava Petersen, who also ran on the 4×800, will join Drake in returning for another season for the Hawks next spring while Anna Tague and Josie Noland will graduate Sunday.
The Hawks are coached by Troy Martin and George Ashman.
