Illinois Track Team Qualifies All 4 Relays for State Meet

When Unity High School's 1,600-meter relay team filmed themselves before and after running, the difference was dramatic. The four runners went from relaxed smiles to gasping for breath in just 400 meters.

That's the kind of all-out effort that got Unity's girls track team to the Illinois state championships this weekend. The Tolono school qualified all four of its relay teams for the Class 2A state meet at Eastern Illinois University.

"Being represented with four event qualifiers would be amazing in itself, but having four girls get to enjoy that experience together in each of these events is so much more gratifying," said coach Tony Reetz.

Three of Unity's relay teams head into the state meet with medal potential. The 400-meter relay posted the fifth-fastest sectional time in Illinois at 48.33 seconds. The same four runners also make up the 800-meter relay, which also clocked the fifth-fastest sectional time.

The 3,200-meter relay enters state with the ninth-fastest time, hoping to add to Unity's legacy. The team won state titles in that event in 2025 and 2015.

Putting together winning relay teams requires more than just speed. Coach Reetz considers who runs best out of the blocks, who handles curves better than straightaways, and which athletes thrive under pressure.

Senior Emma Swisher leads off both sprint relays and loves the responsibility. "I feel like I get to set the tone for the race, and I'm able to watch my team do amazing after I hand off the baton," she said.

Junior Grace Wherley, who runs second leg, practices handoffs with Swisher daily. The two communicate constantly about timing and make adjustments for perfect exchanges.

The Ripple Effect

The Unity team's success extends beyond individual achievement. Sophomore Ava Sommer, running leadoff for the 3,200 relay, feels honored to continue the school's relay tradition.

Freshman Carolina Popovics will make her state debut this weekend. She's learned that mental strength matters as much as physical ability in distance running.

"Your mind quits before your body does," Popovics said.

The Rockets finished second overall at last year's state meet. This year, they're bringing even more firepower with all four relay teams ready to compete.

Senior Mackenzie Pound, a veteran of two previous state championships, anchors the distance relay. She strategizes each lap, focusing on a fast start, steady pace, and strong finish.

These young athletes are proving that teamwork and preparation create extraordinary results.