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Republic junior Gracie Troester made qualifying for state in four events look easy for the second consecutive year at Saturday’s Sectional track meet in Waynesville, but the hot conditions were a reminder of the ongoing effort behind her accomplishments.
With a heat index around 90 degrees—much hotter than previous meets this year—Troester secured her spot in the 800-meter run, 1600-meter run, 3200-meter run, and 4×800-meter relay. And despite the fact that her success seems to come so easily on the track, she remains focused on the work required to maintain that elite level of performance.
“I still have to work just as hard to qualify as I do every year,” Troester said. “It’s really hot outside. So it doesn’t really get easier. Just kind of got to power through and get my mind right.”
Troester paced herself over the course of the day, finishing second in all four events. But she still managed to break her own school record in the 800, finishing in 2:17.59.
Troester turned in times of 5:05.53 in the 1600, and 11:31.27 in the 3200. She also anchored the 4×800 relay team, which set a new school record of 9:37.23, with teammates Gracie Woods, Kristin Probst, and Reese Finley.
“The heat plays a huge role on times, definitely. I ran, I think, 20 seconds slower than I did last week,” she said of her 3200-meter run. “But I qualified, so that’s all that matters.”
As a sophomore in 2023, Troester placed fifth in the 3200-meter run and seventh in the 1600-meter run at the state meet. She also holds school records in the 1600 (5:04.29), and 3200 (11:01.33).
