The widely renowned Drake Relays celebrated their 108th year of competition this weekend. Thousands of athletes of all different levels gathered in Des Moines to showcase their talents, Wahlert’s men’s and women’s track teams included.

The women’s team qualified in seven events including the 100 meter dash, long jump, sprint medley relay, 4×200 meter relay, 4×800 meter relay, 4×100 meter relay, and 4×400 meter relay. Both veterans and newcomers brought talent to the track as the ladies placed and medaled in three of these events.

The 4×200 meter relay defended their title yet again by placing first and earning another Drake flag. The 4×100 meter relay placed second, and the 4×800 meter relay placed sixth, all earning medals for their outstanding performances.

“It was awesome to medal at Drake. It took a lot of work and effort from myself as well as my teammates,” says Holly Hohmann, ‘18, a member of the 4×800 meter relay.

Additionally, the 4×400 meter relay and sprint medley relay earned eighth and eleventh place finishes respectively. After a weekend of dedication, the women’s team left the stadium with a fourth place finish and a lot of hardwear.

The Wahlert Men’s track and field team was also well represented at the blue oval this past weekend. The men’s team competed in the 100 meter dash, 800 meter run, 4×100 meter relay, 4×400 meter relay, 4×800 meter relay, distance medley relay, high jump, and long jump.

Luke Hilby, ‘18, placed 11th in the 800 meter run, running the half-mile race in 2:00.91. Matt Bandy, ‘18, also took part in an individual event placing 9th in high jump. “The Drake Relays are a one of a kind event that I’m going to miss competing in,” reflects Bandy whose final jump was 6’3 this weekend.

As for the relays, the men took 11th place in the 4×800 meter relay, and 19th in the distance medley relay. Hilby, who participated in both events, comments, “All of the races went pretty well; we faced some sort of adversity in each race, but we were able to overcome it.”

Though the 2018 Drake Relays are in the past, both of Wahlert’s track teams are setting high goals to return to the Drake Stadium in three weeks for the state competition.