By: Tate Wehrle (11)

The Helias Catholic High School girls 4x400 relay team broke the school record this season with a time of 3:55.13. The record-setting relay team consisted of Corynn Frank (11), Nicki Frank (9), Isla Alfultis (11), and Daelyn Crisostomo (12).

The team entered the season with goals that included improving its relay time and advancing to state competition. Throughout the season, the runners focused on improving individual performances, strengthening team chemistry, and refining relay handoffs.

Before the race, the runners described the team’s energy as focused and prepared.

“We were hyped, chill, and locked in,” Nicki Frank said.

Alfultis said the runners were nervous but worked to encourage one another before the start.

“We were all nervous, trying to hype each other up,” Alfultis stated.

Corynn Frank also noted the level of competition at the meet.

“Joplin was there, so there was competition,” Corynn said.

The team said it believed a record-breaking time was possible because of the strengths of each runner and the progress made throughout the season.

“Before the season even starts, we know all the people on the team and know what they are capable of, so we knew that we could do it,” Corynn stated.

Nicki said the possibility became more clear during the later stages of the race.

“When the baton was handed off, that’s when it felt possible,” Nicki added.

The runners identified trust and chemistry as important parts of the 4x400 relay, where each leg depends on the previous runner’s performance and a clean handoff.

“You have to have a lot of trust,” Nicki said.

Corynn also emphasized the importance of relying on teammates.

“You have to trust them that they will get their part done,” Corynn said.

Each runner had a specific focus during her leg of the relay. Corynn focused on putting the team in a strong position early in the race. Nicki focused on maintaining long strides, while Alfultis focused on maintaining speed and holding the lead.

“Staying fast and keeping the lead,” Alfultis said.

The team also described noticeable improvement over the course of the season.

“We barely knew each other at first, and now we have grown together and know each other a lot more now,” Nicki said.

Alfultis also pointed to the team’s progress from the first meet to the record-breaking race.

“Big improvement from the first time,” Alfultis said.

When asked about the highlight of the season, the runners gave the same response.

“Breaking the record,” Nicki said.

“Breaking the record,” Alfultis said.

The team’s remaining goals for the season include continuing to improve its time, qualifying for state, and competing for a high finish.