The Mt. Hebron Indoor Track and Field team competed in the MPSSAA 3A State Championship on Feb. 19 at the PG sportsplex in Landover, MD in hopes of earning a state title.

The performance from the girl’s sprinting team included both individual and team contributions from similar faces that lead the Vikings in the regular season, including senior Jaiden Ritter, senior Blaire Ridgley, sophomore Sierrah Matthews, and others.

Jaiden Ritter placed third in the girl’s 55 meter dash and fifth overall in the 300 meter. Sierrah Matthews also broke the school record for the 500 meter, finishing first overall in the event.

“Our team performed well overall. Just like last year, the relays went according to plan. We placed 2nd in the 4×200 and 3rd in the 4×400 last year whereas this year we finished second in both of those events. The girls placed second as a team. We had some really great performances from our athletes. Sierrah Matthews broke the 500m school record which is very impressive, especially since she is only a sophomore,” shared Ritter.

The girl sprinters mentally prepared themselves by saying a prayer together.

“Let’s go guys!” Ridgely likes to say to her teammates as they walk to the starting line to get them pumped up as she adds in a fist bump.

“This year we all worked together. It was the first year we ever placed during my time at Hebron, so I was really excited,” said Ridgley

Seniors Kobi Hill, Tyler Lizzo, Olaoluwasubomi Olumide, and Joel Evans of the boy’s sprinting team participated in the 4×200 with a time of 1:35 and junior Evan Kocsis, sophomore Justin Evans, senior Tyler Lizzo, and Joel Evans participated in the 4×400, placing sixth overall. Unlike the girl’s team, however, the boy’s scores were not what they needed to place.

“I was more focused on my own individual improvement rather than worrying about beating my opponents,” said Hill.

Aside from track relays, the Vikings also competed in field activities such as shot put, pole vault, and high jump. Senior Ethan Bishop competed in the pole vault. This past season was Bishop’s second season on the pole vault team. He tried out for the first time in his junior year without any prior experience. Bishop placed sixth in the event with a height of 10’6.”

“It’s states so the competition was very good, which is how you could tell if you were good or not,” explained Bishop.

With states now behind them, the Vikings have their sights set on nationals. Seniors and now veterans to the event, Ridgely and Ritter, with sophomores Matthews and Garcelle Pierre will represent the girls team. The four will run the 4×200 and 4×400 together. Matthews will also be running the open 400 by herself.

As this will be Ridgely and Ritter’s last time competing in nationals, Ridgely has high hopes for the team.

“ I want us to run our hearts out,” Ridgely stated.

However, as this will be Ridgely and Ritter’s last time competing in the outdoor track nationals championships. Ridgely has one goal above all. “I want Jaiden and I to make the most out of our last outdoor season.”