Erin Tomschin had a goal in mind at last weekend’s Class 3 state track meet in Jefferson City, but she didn’t know what to expect.

The Wright City junior qualified for the 1,600- and 3,200-meter races, and hoped to finish the 1,600 in around 5 minutes, 30 seconds.

She finished 15th in 5:53.56.

“For Erin, it’s just a great experience,” Wright City Head Coach Sue Wright said. “You don’t know what it’s like until you get here, and you can’t teach that.”

Tomschin also qualified for the Class 3 cross country meet in November, but the throngs of fans who filled the Jefferson City High School football stadium made this experience different.

“She just doesn’t know. She has no knowledge of this race,” Wright said. “I’m surprised she got out of the sectional in those two races, so that was great. The paces are completely different.”

St. James’ Parker Fane won the 1,600 in 5:14.75.

In the 3,200, Tomschin finished 15th with a time of 12:53.67, four seconds off her personal-best.

For Wright, however, the results were almost secondary.

“It’s as important to see Erin run as it is to see Kyle (Christopher) get a medal because you hope what Erin experienced today will help her next year,” Wright said. “Because that’s more important than whether you win or not.”

Tomschin will run cross country in the fall and Wright hopes her experience in Jefferson City will help her next May.

“Now she knows,” Wright said. “She’s going to know what it’s like next year.”