Hillcrest Track and Field Closes a Strong Spring Season

The Hillcrest Track and Field season came to a close at the State Meet, where Maddie Miller finished 4th in the 400-meter dash. Her strong finish capped an outstanding year for the Comets and marked the end of a memorable high school career. Maddie leaves Hillcrest with three individual school records and as a teammate on two school record relay teams: the 100, 200, 400, 4x200, and 4x400.

It was a cold but great “spring” track season, filled with steady improvement, strong performances, and several moments that will be remembered for years to come. In addition to Maddie’s accomplishments, two more school records were broken this season. The 4x100 relay team of Emme Berge, Mia Miller, Elin Retzlaff, and Elsa Retzlaff set a new school mark, and the 4x400 relay team of Emme Berge, Claire Haus, Ella Knutson, and Maddie Miller also broke the record.

The season was also meaningful because of the leadership shown by Hillcrest’s senior class. The Comets will lose nine seniors this year: Drew Fischer, Luke McGuire, Nik Olson, Xander Brown, Chloe Walkup, Ella Knutson, Lily Cossette, Maddie Miller, and Ruby Walkup. Their impact went far beyond times, places, and medals. Hillcrest is especially grateful for their leadership, their example in practice and meets, and the way they helped set the tone for the team.

A special thank you goes to Ella and Drew for serving as team captains this year. Their leadership helped guide a team that continued to compete, grow, and encourage one another through a full season of practices, meets, and cold spring days.

Hillcrest is also thankful for the coaches who invested in these athletes throughout the season: Coach Krumm, Coach Patti Zwiener, Coach Jess Knutson, Coach April Lokken, and Coach Chad Brown. The team also benefited from volunteers who stepped in to help in key areas, including Sarah Jensen, Andrew Reistenberg, and Tessa Martinson.