Solid Indoor/Outdoor Performance by Cyclone Girls’ Track at Central College Sat

Solid Indoor/Outdoor Performance by Cyclone Girls’ Track at Central College Sat –

(3-23-26) – Expect the unexpected… even when it comes to the weather.

March is not known for its beautiful, warm weather, but the Harlan Community girls’ track team got a special treat when they competed at the Central College meet on Saturday. With temps expected in 80’s, the track events for the meet took place outdoors, something Cyclone Coach Jenny Hamilton and her athletes had to adjust to since it was their first time competing outside all season.

“There was a little bit of a breeze that was beneficial for the sprinters, but I think the heat was kind of hard on the distance on it, but they handled it well overall.”

It was another terrific afternoon for Julia Heslink, who finished 3rd in the 800m with a time of 2:20.88. Her time moved her into 8th place on the all-time list for the event. Hamilton said the distance was new for Heslink, but she requested the challenge.

“She actually asked ahead of time if she could run the 800m at this meet and just wanted to see what she could do there and she had a great race.”

Having a young athlete like Heslink ask to participate in particular events shows the convictions they have which is something Hamilton likes to see from her athletes.

“Attack is the right word for it. Julia runs with confidence and just welcomes a challenge and she has the right mindset.”

Ari Daniels ran the 100m hurdles and finished 16th in 17.85 seconds. Hamilton says Daniels has been working hard this off-season.

“Ari has been working really, really hard. I know she's been lifting weights and in the gym hard in the offseason. She's a senior for us this year. She's probably one of our strongest vocal leaders and just really cares about giving her all, and I was really excited for her to see that success.”

The Cyclone girls’ next meet will their first officially outdoors at the Carroll Early Bird on Thursday.

View past scores by visiting the Iowa High School Athletic Association's website, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union website,
or Iowa Quik Stats