Teamwork and perseverance paid off May 23 for the Lady Saints of Bloomington Central Catholic High School, who made school history by securing the Class 1A state title in the Illinois High School Association’s state track and field meet at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

Under the guidance of DeWayne Griffin, head coach, the Central Catholic girls completed state finals with 41 points, eight points ahead of second-place Breese Central. Victory was even sweeter thanks to 10 medals brought home by five of the team’s members.

The five medalists are Alexis Atkins, senior, who was ninth in the 100 meter hurdles; Emily Beoletto, sophomore, fifth in the 4×400 meter relay; Kelly Curran, junior, fourth in the 3,200 meter run, second in the 1,600 meter run, and fifth in the 4×400 meter relay; Jennifer Monk, senior, fifth in the long jump, second in the 100 meter hurdles, second in the 200 meter hurdles, and fifth in the 4×400 meter relay; and Cristin Neill, junior, fifth in the 4×400 meter relay.

In addition to the medalists, the team’s roster this year included: Freshmen Katie Einck, Taylor Friedrich, Amanda Glesing, Mackenzie Jenkins, Paige Schwiderski and Kayla Shanks; sophomores Kelley Baker, Colleen Besler, Erica Moran, Rachel Nolan and Allie Norton; juniors Caroline Bernardi, Jessica Connor, Catrina Moews and Kayla Sanders; and seniors Leah Bernardi, Paige Millburg, Cassidy O’Brien, Kerry Pelton and Kelsey Shanks.