Words: Michael Moore

On Saturday May 25, the Centennial outdoor track and field team traveled to Morgan State University to compete in the state championships. The boys’ team had a lot of success, with graduated senior Josh Poole taking third in the 200m, and first in the 400m. The relay team of Poole and also graduated seniors Eddie Krahe, Andrew Kutt, and Jordan Roberts took home a state title in the 4x400m relay. The girls’ team also enjoyed success with freshman Ally Driscoll earning second place in the 1600m, and graduated senior Catie Bernhardt taking third place the 800m. The girls also had success with a relay team. The 4x800m relay team of Driscoll, Bernhardt, junior Ilana Harris, and junior Alyssa Taylor took home fourth place.

Poole had an exceptional performance Saturday, winning a state title in the 400m and in the 4x400m relay. For Poole, the win in the 400m was very special, “I promised Coach Pauller that I was going to win the 400 after my freshman year, so to finally achieve that felt awesome, especially to know that my hard work paid off.” He is also very proud of his relay team for their performance in the meet. “The relay championship was a surprise, and I’m really proud of the team stepping up to run that. They did the work, and by the time I had gotten the handoff we were first in the heat and ready to win it,” said Poole. “I’m happy that I got to be able to run with them and that we were able to accomplish what we did.”

The season was very successful for the Eagles. With a ninth place finish in the state, Poole gives a lot of credit to his teammates. “I think that that we had people step up and perform when we needed them, and as a whole I think our ninth place in the state meet is evidence that we had a great season.” For Poole, this was the perfect end to his high school career, saying, “I couldn’t ask for a better way to end my high school track career.”