Hillcrest Track & Field Finishes Historic Season with Record-Breaking State Meet
The Comets Track & Field team closed out an unforgettable season with a strong showing at the Minnesota State Track and Field Meet, held at St. Michael-Albertville High School. This year’s team not only broke records—they made history.
Vincent Nash, a senior competing in his first-ever track season, soared to 8th place in the Class A Boys High Jump, clearing 6’4” to break his own school record of 6’2” set earlier this spring. Vincent’s accomplishment is nothing short of remarkable—Hillcrest doesn’t even have high jump equipment on campus. His success is a testament to his determination and the expert coaching of Jessica Knutson, who guided him throughout the season.
In the sprints, Maddie Miller ran a strong race in the Girls’ 200 meters, finishing 21st in the state with a time of 26.53. She also broke two school records this season in the 100 (12.54) and 200 (26.22).
The Girls 4x800 relay team—Katie Holzner, Kaia Fiskness, Elsa Retzlaff, and Emme Berge—fought through the cold rain to finish 19th with a time of 10:08.57, capping off a season that saw them set a new school record at 9:52.28 earlier in the year.
This was truly a record-setting year for Hillcrest. In the 46-year history of Track & Field at Hillcrest, only 15 individual athletes had ever competed at the State Meet. This year alone, six athletes represented Hillcrest! Even more inspiring, while only four female athletes had previously competed at State in school history, five girls qualified this year alone.
In total, six school records were shattered, including one dating back to 1986:
Maddie Miller – Girls 100m (12.54) and 200m (26.22)
Vincent Nash – Boys High Jump (6’4”)
Paisley Peterson – Girls Discus (92’2”)
Natalie Landman, Brooke Swedberg, Elin Retzlaff, Chloe Walkup – Girls 4x100 (56.84)
Emme Berge, Ella Knutson, Maddie Miller, Ruby Peterson – Girls 4x200 (1:51.94)
Emme Berge, Kaia Fiskness, Katie Holzner, Elsa Retzlaff – Girls 4x800 (9:52.28)
Behind every athlete stood a dedicated coaching team: Allen Aase, Chad Brown, Jessica Knutson, Gretchen Larson, April Lokken, and Patti Zwiers. Their time, care, and commitment helped lead these students to discover their potential and compete with excellence.
As the season closes, we celebrate the careers of our graduating seniors: Katie Holzner (Captain), Ruby Peterson (Captain), Vincent Nash, Malachi Loveless, and Elsie Nielsen. Their leadership, heart, and legacy will continue to inspire future Comets.
What a way to finish the year—with perseverance, pride, and a legacy of achievement. The future of Hillcrest Track & Field is bright!