Freshman runner, Jenna Barker finished second in the 1,600-meter run during Tuesday's IHSAA track and field girls regional at Shelbyville, becoming the first Seton Catholic athlete to qualify for the state finals in any sport. Barker set a personal record by eight seconds, finishing the race in 5:11.21.
While she didn’t advance, Junior, Julia Reichley scored points for the Lady Cardinals by placing 5th in the 200-meter. Additionally, Barker ran the 800-meter and finished 15th, while helping the Seton 1,600-meter relay team of Ashley Miller, Leann Brenneke and Julia Reichley to a 14th-place finish.
"Advancing to state feels great. Honestly, it hasn't quite settled in yet," Jenna Barker said. "I'm still just like, 'Oh, OK, now I have finals this week, you know, last week of school,' so I think once school's over and everything, it'll really be time to focus on state, and honestly, I'm thrilled about it."
Jenna’s head coach and father, Todd Barker, is also thrilled! Todd has been a runner throughout his life, coaching track at Seton Catholic just one year.
“Jenna advancing to the state track meet has been a dream and goal of hers. This is an amazing accomplishment for her and Seton. As a coach, I am thrilled. As a father, I couldn’t be more proud.”
The state meet will take place at Indiana University (Bloomington) on Saturday, June 6th. The meet will begin at 3:00pm (1600m scheduled for approximately 6:35pm...but don't be late!) Admission: $10.