The hard work is done. Now it's time for a test against the state's best.
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UCA Homecoming
The festivities included a parade and tailgating before the game at First Security Stadium October 11.
"There's nothing more fun than seeing kids get recognized for all of their work," Helias coach Tim Rulo said as the Crusaders and the Lady Crusaders prepared for the Class 4 state track and field championships today and Saturday at Adkins Stadium.
On the girls side, the Lady Crusaders are looking for the potent 1-2 punch of seniors Chloe Ramsey and Anna Vollet.
Ramsey is the defending state champion in the pole vault, clearing 12 feet, 61/4 inches to take the title.
"She has all the ability to repeat and that can be hard to do," Rulo said.
Ramsey, who has signed with Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, will compete in the event at noon Saturday. She tied Carly Pujol of Cape Girardeau Notre Dame with the top vault at sectionals at 11-6.
Vollet will have a busy day today. She is slated to run in preliminaries in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the 4x100-meter relay before taking part in the long jump finals at 4 p.m.
Vollet, who will run at Murray State next year, holds the Helias school record in the long jump with an effort of 18-5.
"It will be a long day, but I think she has the ability to pop one," Rulo said. "In the preliminaries, all you want is just to make it to the finals Saturday."
Vollet was second in the 200 and seventh in the 100 last year.
"Anna shows up big on the big stage," Rulo said. "She has done all the little things well, she's done the work to get to where she is."
Vollet and Ramsey will be joined in the 4x100 by Taylor Woehr and Ellie Rockers. Holly Hentges is the alternate. Woehr, Rockers and Hentges are all new to track this season.
"It's been great to see the new kids out and have some success," Rulo said.
The Lady Crusaders also qualified in the 4x800-meter relay. Ashley Eskens, Abby Hake, Emma Veltrop and Alicia Engelbrecht make up the relay squad, with Lanie Andrews and Natalie Schlup as alternates.
The Lady Crusaders are looking to improve on their ninth-place finish last year. Rulo believes MICDS is the team favorite on the girls side, with the defending champion Camdenton also in the mix.
On the boys side, the Crusaders are looking to better their seeds in their six events.
"I see a lot of guys who are seeded in the middle, who if they got out and a have a good day, they should be able to get a medal," Rulo said.
Jack Crull, a sophomore who is a two-time all-state performer in cross country, is in two individual events. He will participate in the 800- and 1,600-meter runs Saturday afternoon.
"He's a hard worker, there's not a workout he shies away from," Rulo said. "He's got a great attitude, you can tell he enjoys it so much."
Crull is a member of the 4x800-meter relay team along with Jack Hoey, Jacob Ceglinski and Nick Brandt that will run at 10:40 a.m. today. Brian Kirchoff is the alternate.
Helias also advanced in the 4x400-meter relay. Team members include Marcus Anthony, Ceglinski, Isaac Johnson and Blake Veltrop, with Crull as an alternate.
Anthony also advanced to state championships in the 300-meter hurdles.
"Marcus has an amazing ability in track," Rulo said. "I don't know if a lot of people realize how talented he is."
Auston Phillips of the Crusaders is back at state in the shot put. He was fourth in the sectional, but his throw of 52-2 is the sixth-best qualifying mark.
"That shows how strong our district was," Rulo said. "If he can do that again, he will definitely medal."
The boys shot put final begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday.