The St. Albert girls’ track and field team has claimed the Class 1A IATC Indoor Championship, building on their success as the Class 1A outdoor state champions from the previous year.
Head coach Theresa Martin expressed confidence in her team’s performance, acknowledging the effort put in by her athletes and the fortunate turn of events that led to their victory.
Stellar Performances by St. Albert Athletes
The Saintes were led by Lili Denton, who impressed with her strong performances in the 1500 and 3000-meter races. Denton, a University of Texas recruit, took home first place in the 1500 and second place in the 3000, earning Drake Relays Blue Standards in both events.
Her success didn’t stop there — she anchored the winning 4×400 relay team, which set a new meet record, surpassing the previous record set by St. Albert last year.
- Denton’s teammates on the relay team — Sophia Denton, Greta Livingston, and Stella Simms — also had standout performances, setting the stage for Denton to take the baton with a commanding lead of about nine seconds. The team finished with a time of 4:10.78.
Key Contributions from Other Athletes
- Greta Livingston: Despite a rough start, including a scratch from both the 200 and 400, Livingston bounced back to anchor the sprint medley relay, helping the team to a third-place finish. Her dedication was clear when she powered through the race despite feeling unwell, later revealing she had influenza B.
- Stella Simms: Simms had an incredible meet, finishing third in both the 400 and 800 meters and contributing to the sprint medley relay. She experienced a high of her own, earning a spot on the podium four times.
- Sophia Denton and Ellie Larmie, fresh off their state basketball season, were also part of the sprint medley relay team. Larmie placed eighth in the 200, while Keira Diehm finished eighth in the 3000.
Coach Martin praised the team’s focus and dedication:
“These girls are dialed in. They’ve got a goal in mind, and they’re focused. It’s just great to see and to be able to coach girls like that, that are so driven and are so goal-oriented. It makes my job so much more enjoyable.”
Looking Ahead: Outdoor Season and Drake Relays
While their success indoors is fresh, St. Albert is focused on continuing their momentum into the outdoor season:
- March 27: Douglas County West/College of Saint Mary Invitational
- March 31: Woodbine
- April: Nine more dates before their busy May stretch
- Drake Relays: The team aims to qualify for the prestigious relay event in late April
Coach Martin has made it clear that the Drake Relays are a major focus for the team, particularly the 4×400 relay. The goal is not just to win every meet but to stay focused on their long-term objectives, including a successful return to the state championships.
