The Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont girls track and field team turned in a memorable performance at the Iowa High School State Track & Field Championships, placing in three events and setting two new school records in relay events. The Rockets demonstrated both talent and depth on the blue oval, competing with grit and determination.
Senior standout Molly Shafer tied for sixth in the high jump, clearing 5’2” against a field of the state’s best. Her performance capped a strong season in the event.
EBF’s relay teams ran with record-setting efforts in both the Distance Medley and 4x400 relays. The Distance Medley team — composed of Holly Roberts, Lacey Taylor, Molly Shafer, and Caroline Van Utrecht — delivered a podium finish, placing third with a time of 4:10.73. Their finish established a new school record for the Rockets.
Holly Roberts, Lacey Taylor, Molly Shafer, and Caroline Van Utrecht after placing 3rd in the State 2A Distant Medley Relay.
Not to be outdone, the 4x400 relay team — Claire Hayward, Caroline Van Utrecht, Lacey Taylor, and Molly Shafer — capped the last race of the state meet with a thrilling second-place finish, clocking in at 3:57.32, another school record.
Molly Shafer, Lacey Taylor, Caroline Van Utrecht, and Claire Haywood after placing 2nd in the 4x400 relay at the State 2A Track Meet.
Caroline Van Utrecht ran her season’s best time in the 800 run placing 11th in a time of 2:20.05.
The Sprint Medley Relay ran the season’s best time 1:52.32 placing 14th. The runners were Caroline Van Utrecht, Holly Roberts, Lacey Taylor, and Molly Shafer.
Head Coach Gladys Genskow expressed immense pride in the team's accomplishments. “This group showed heart and resilience. With the injury to Kate Shafer, we had to make some adjustments, and our alternates stepped up big time,” said Genskow. “Holly Roberts filled in the Distance Medley, and Lacey Taylor stepped up in the 4X400 — their performances were outstanding. This just goes to show the depth we’ve developed in our program.”
The absence of Kate Shafer, a key contributor throughout the season, could have been a setback. Instead, it became a testament to the team’s preparation and next-athlete-up mentality.
Congratulations to all EBF girls track and field athletes on an outstanding showing at the state meet. Your hard work, commitment, and team spirit made the EBF Community Proud.
Go Rockets!