Four Polk County High School female athletes traveled to New York to compete Friday, March 9 in the New Balance Indoor Track Nationals held at the Armory.
Seniors Rebecca Elliott, Mary Kate Christiansen, Casey McDowell and Autumn Miller, a sophomore at PCHS, finished 28th in the nation in the 4×400 meter relay event (4:08.94). This was the first time a Polk County High relay team has met the national qualifying standards to attend. The team competed under the name Polk County Track Stars.
Elliott also qualified and competed in the 400-meter dash, finishing 37th overall in 59.94. Many community contributors offered support to finance the trip, which allowed the girls to visit various historical sites and attractions throughout New York and New Jersey. The overall experience provided growth and enlightenment to four of Polk County’s brightest student-athletes. McDowell has signed a letter of intent to run for Brevard College next fall. Elliott will attend Clemson, and Christiansen will attend NC State.
– article submitted by Jenny Wolfe