Ohrt soaks in last laps on Blue Oval

DES MOINES - There’s not doubt relay runners can grow close over the course of a season together. But how about not in one, not two, but three relays together? Something amazing, according to Shelby Ohrt. 

“We were just talking about this,” Ohrt said. “It’s crazy to think what Kailyn, Chloe, Macie and myself have done together this season, to think about all the time we’ve spent together. I found a great group of friends.”

All three of those relays with freshman Kailyn Meester, Ohrt, freshman Chloe Paulsen and junior Macie Graves competed at the 2024 State Track and Field Championships last week at Drake Stadium, concluding Ohrt’s track career at a place second only to her own home course in terms familiarity. 

The 4x100 meter relay raced to a PR at the Drake Relays only three weeks prior to the prelims in the State meet. The quartet did it again, clocking in at a new season best time of 50.80 to finish 11th. This would be their highest placing together as they finished 21st in the sprint medley and 15th in the 4x200 meter relay.

“We qualified for all three with great times, but couldn’t come up with PRs in two of those races,” coach Rachael Cheeseman said. “All the handoffs were safe outside a bobbled handoff in the 4x2. All four of them were happy when they walked off the track. Everyone would have liked different results, but still proud of what they accomplished together.”

The sprint medley was the last of the three events for Ohrt, who graduated the next day having run in 14 events at State and medaled in six. Ohrt was also on four consecutive 4x1 teams that qualified for the Drake Relays. 

“Shelby has been a huge part of this team these last four years,” Cheeseman said. “She’s been the foundation for this tradition, even as a freshman. It’s been all smiles the whole way, and I can’t thank her enough for leaving her mark with this program.”

The moment didn’t escape Ohrt whatsoever. On her final day on Saturday, she took in the sights and sounds of Drake Stadium.

“There’s truly nothing like this at another track and field meet,” Ohrt said. “There’s so many people around, but you can still spot your family if you know where they might be sitting. Just hearing teammates supporting each other makes this a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Her teammate the last three seasons, Macie Graves, placed 20th in the 200 meter dash with a time of 26.64. The Wolverines were able to get away from the sprints with one event as senior Izzy Houts placed 11th with a time of 10:55. 

“Honestly one of the best parts of this season was seeing Izzy having success over and over again,” Rachael said. “She opened her season with two indoor records and seriously put in the work ever since. She’s had such a great cross country career, and we’re so happy she could qualify to be down here.”

Houts and Ohrt graduating along with the rest of their small senior class will leave some leadership roles to fill for next season. The Wolverines got a tremendous boost from their freshman class and will look for a fourth sprinter to keep the 4x1 tradition alive. 

“We have some good eighth graders coming up next season and a returning group beaming with positivity,” Cheeseman said. “We always have a great group of athletes and someone willing to step up. Our girls are ready to fill these roles.”