The 100th running of the prestigious Drake Relays was a first for St. Kate's. The Wildcats 4x400 relay team became the first team in school history to compete at the renowned event. The quartet of Kayla Engel, Kim Engel, Amanda Manship and Sarah Meissner took full advantage of running on the big stage by setting a new St. Kate's school record. They finished third in their heat against Division II and III competition with a time of 4:01.11.
A few hours after competeing at Drake Stadium, those Wildcats joined the rest of their teammates just down the road at the Kip Janvrin Open in Indianola Iowa. Despite the soaring temperatures and high winds the Wildcats turned in several outstanding performances at this meet, which featured 1,800 athletes from 40 schools.
Jennifer Ampe set a new personal best in the pole vault with a clearance of 3.20 meters (10-6). Sam Levercom continued to shave time off of her 100 meter dash as she won her heat and finished fifth overall with a time of 13.22 seconds.
Also placing well for St. Kate's was the 4 x 100 meter relay team of Levercom, Sydney Malanphy, Katie Lawler and Rachel Doherty. They finished fourth overall with a time of 52.42
The following morning Levcom and Malanphy joined the Engel's back at the Drake Relays, this time on the sprint medley relay. The race (200-200-400-800) again proved to be a successful one for the Wildcats. The team set a school record in the rarely contested event with a time of 4:12.98 to finish ninth overall.
Drake Relays Results
Kip Janvrin Open Results