For Lydia Clubb, the Class 3 Track and Field State Championships on May 23 marked more than just a race — it was the final chapter of her time as a Wright City Wildcat.

“Looking at the stadium and seeing how packed it was – it was chilling,” Clubb said. 

Clubb finished 13th in the girls 400-meter dash in 1:01.72. 

Although she did not advance past the preliminaries and faced challenges such as nerves and drawing lane one, she finished with pride. 

“Honestly, I held my head up high considering this is my first year running the 400 and I can’t believe I made it here and I’m a senior,” Clubb said. “Maybe if I worked all four years in the 400, I could be better, but my head’s held high.” 

Also representing Wright City at state was sophomore Seth Leander Potter, who competed in the boys 400-meter dash. Potter was one of only five underclassmen in his heat. He placed 15th with a time of 52.36 seconds.  

For Clubb, it was her second trip to the state meet. As a junior, she helped the 4x400 relay team of Adalyn Ferrell, Elizabeth Riggs and Lindsay Pettus earn a second-place finish. 

While Clubb noted she felt more comfortable the second time around, returning to state as an individual competitor brought new challenges.

“Because I was going for a single event, it was much harder than going for a relay since I had people to cheer me up,” Clubb said. “Even warming up, it was so packed down there, it was hard to warm up and there were so many people there. I was really nervous before the race started.” 

Despite picking up the 400 for the first time this season and racing it just eight times, Clubb quickly ascended the ranks, earning a district championship title and a berth at state.

“(This event taught me) that I can do more than I think I can,” Clubb said. 

Clubb embraced the atmosphere and the magnitude of the meet, soaking in her final moments as a competitor.

“Watching the other races and just being there and seeing other teams compete was really cool to watch,” Clubb said. 

Heading into the state meet, Clubb had hoped to finish her career in style. 

“I made it as far as I could but I guess I could have gone a little bit further, so I would say I kind of did go out with a bang,” she said. “I made it to state, I just didn’t go as far as I thought I would, but being able to make it there, I would say, yeah, I did make it out with a bang.” 

As Clubb closes the chapter on her high school track career, she expressed gratitude. 

“It’s been an honor to be a part of the track team. Being able to have Wright City across my chest is an honor,” Clubb said. “I love the track community in every way and I wouldn’t want to be a part of any other track team.” 

Clubb left a simple piece of advice for the younger athletes.

“Try your hardest and never give up – you can do whatever you put your mind to,” she said.