Lydia Clubb had competed in the 400-meter dash just five times before the Class 3, District 3 tournament.
On the sixth try, she became a district champion.
“I …
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Lydia Clubb had competed in the 400-meter dash just five times before the Class 3, District 3 tournament.
On the sixth try, she became a district champion.
“I couldn’t believe I did it,” Clubb said. “Once I settled down after the race, I went to my mom, and said ‘Oh my gosh, I just did that.’ She was so proud of me.”
In a dramatic finish, Clubb zoomed around the corner towards the finish line neck and neck with No. 1 seed Alli Hustedde of Bowling Green. With determination driving her in the last 50 meters, she edged out Hustedde to claim the title on May 10.
“I didn’t want to be beaten and I didn’t want to lose with it being that close because that’s how state went in the 4x400 (last year),” Clubb said. “I started to feel tired around the 300 mark and then around the 350 mark, I felt that last oomph and gave it all I had.”
Clubb finished with a season-best time of 1:01.46, while Hustedde clocked in at 1:01.65. Afterwards, Clubb made it a point to congratulate her fellow competitor.
Furthermore, she was Wright City’s lone district champion and the Wildcat’s first track athlete in two years to win a district title.
Despite her success, Clubb admitted she initially lacked confidence heading into the 400, given her limited experience. However, once the starting gun went off, whatever doubts she had faded. “I didn’t want my track season to end like this, so I wanted to push through it,” she said.
The decision to move Clubb to the 400 was made after her impressive leg in the 4x400 relay at the state meet the previous year.
“She’s just so strong and such a strong competitor. It shows her hard work and dedication. She’s a four-year senior, knows how to do everything right, leads by example and works her butt off,” coach Fred Ross said. “She’s the last one every night doing extra stuff, blocks or whatever it is, she’s like that in all the sports she plays.”
Clubb said the win has bolstered her confidence.
“Especially after today, I feel a lot more comfortable,” Clubb said. “Now, I want to place in the top four (at sectionals) and make it to state.”
Wright City qualified for the Class 3, Sectional 2 meet on May 17 at Montgomery County in eight additional events, with Clubb advancing to compete in four events overall.
Ada Ferrell medaled third in the long jump setting a new personal best of 4.77 meters, while Joshlyn Hawn medaled fourth in the discus with 31.22 meters, throwing nearly two meters more than her personal best.
Sehnert medaled third in the javelin with 30.58 meters, Kaden Cross medaled fourth in the 100-meter dash with a personal best of 11.11 seconds and Seth Leander Potter medaled second in the 400-meter dash with 51.51 seconds. Clubb medaled fourth in the 100-meter dash in 13.02 seconds.
Wright City will also send two relay teams to sectionals. The girls 4x200 team consisting of Ferrell, Clubb, Lindsay Pettus and Jolee Lockhart finished third in 1:52.29 and the 4x400 team of Ferrell, Clubb, Pettus and Sehnert placed fourth in 4:26.06.
