Girls track & field: Dixon’s Miller thrilled with last run

CHARLESTON – Dixon senior Jade Miller was thrilled to have one more race at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium track.

Miller took 13th in the 1,600 meters at the Class 2A Girls Track & Field State Meet on Friday, which left her four spots short of a medal, but still was a fulfilling way to finish her high school career.

“It was amazing to be out on this track,” said Miller, who finished in 5:23.28. “I missed it. I haven’t been here since my sophomore year. We were hoping to make it with the 4x800 and my team didn’t make it. But I was very happy to make in the mile by myself. This is my first time running at state not being in a relay.”

Miller took the lead in the first lap, but could not keep up that pace. Still, she was happy with her performance.

“I didn’t get the time I was looking for, but I still did well,” said Miller, who will run at NCAA Division II Lewis University next year. “I left it all on the track for my last race. I’m really happy that I was just here. It was fun.”

Miller’s freshman teammate Emma Smith took 17th in the 3,200 in 12:34.41. Sterling sophomore Alice Sotelo placed 18th in the triple jump (9.87 meters or 32 feet, 4 1/2 inches), and teammate Kylie Nicklaus was 22nd in the 1,600 (5:46.04).

Rock Falls’ 4x800 relay team of Tayli Hulti, Hana Ford, Calin Gaulrapp and Gracie Rippy finished 20th in 10:46.74.

“It was definitely a learning experience,” Smith said of the 3,200. “I definitely have to do a lot of work. I’m not happy with my time, but it’s my first year. I have to learn. I’m going to put in a lot more work in and see where that brings me.”

Sotelo was disappointed she could not match her sectional performance of 33-9.

“It was really good, it was really hot, but running and jumping in this was a very good experience for me,” Sotero said. “It wasn’t my best. I tried my best, and I’m just glad to be here. It gets you ready for college, all the big meets you can have in the future, it gets you ready for everything. The mental mindset you have to have in this meet is very important.”

Nicklaus, also a sophomore, felt she learned a lot about competing at state.

“My time wasn’t as good as it should have been,” Nicklaus said. “It was kind of a blur. I didn’t get out in the spot I wanted to be, and I don’t feel like I pushed myself when it mattered.

“It was a learning experience. My first time running in a distance event at state. It was something to get used to. I can take this with me and think about what happened and try and improve on my race mentality.”