As the girls’ track team sends two athletes to the IHSA State meet this weekend, Alyssa Morello, sophomore pole vaulter, and Caitlin Shepard, junior runner, have big goals in mind. They both qualified for State this past Friday at the Fremd Sectional.

“My State goal is to jump 11 feet and make it to the finals, which will be on Saturday, if I make it. It’s my first time in high school [qualifying for State],” Morello said.

Like Morello, Shepard has big plans for this Friday.

“I really want to do the best that I can. I really want to beat my [personal record] of 11 [minutes] and 11 [seconds] and try to go [under] 11 minutes,” Shepard said.

Both girls have qualified in previous years for State. Morello qualified in middle school in 100 meter hurdles, high jump, and the 4×400 meter relay in 7th grade, and 100 meter hurdles, high jump, 400 meter dash, and pole vault in 8th grade. Shepard qualified for the 1600 meter run in 8th grade.

With State this Friday, Morello looks back on her past performances this season.

“My track season I believe could’ve been stronger and more impactful,” Morello said. “I feel like I didn’t work my hardest and I could’ve pushed myself to my full potential.”

The State march congratulating their qualifications will be held on Thursday, May 21, towards the end of third period.

UPDATE May 26, 2015: Shepard placed 15th in the 2 mile run with a time of 11:08.30 and Morello placed 11th in pole vault with 11 feet.

“I think I could’ve done better but I’m still proud of my 11 foot PR,” Morello said. “I think our team did pretty well overall. I think that everyone has their own improvements that they want to do. I didn’t [achieve my goal at State]. I was hoping for 11 feet and 6 inches, but I’m glad to be over 11.”