By: Grace Fitzgibbon –

While many students will still be asleep in their beds at 6:30 a.m., May 19, Southeast’s track and field state qualifiers will already be on their way to Omaha Burke Stadium. Ten girls and 15 boys are eligible to compete.

Junior Carissa Bohaty will be among these athletes, competing in the 400-meter dash. She qualified for state by placing fourth at districts.

“I felt pretty accomplished because I don’t think anyone probably thought I would,” said Bohaty. “I PR’d [beat her personal record] by two seconds, and then I started placing higher at meets, and then I qualified.”

Bohaty says her personal goal is to run her 400-meter lap around the track in a minute, as well as make it to state finals May 20.

Track wasn’t always Bohaty’s activity of choice. However, while participating in other sports, she found that sprints would be a good fit for her.

“I always stood out because I would always beat everyone with running or drills,” said Bohaty.

The track and field team has worked tirelessly to make it to state, but they value recovery days just as much as training days. Bohaty says she and her team use stretches and pool days to not overwork their muscles.

With all of the conscientiousness in training to be both a strong and healthy athlete, it is fitting that Bohaty needs her sleep before state.

“I’m excited, just not for waking up that early.”