Ellie Friesen wins two golds at Drake Relays

 

DES MOINES - Crestwood’s Ellie Friesen, Katie Saner and Sharon Goodman represented Northeast Iowa extremely well from April 26-28 during the Drake Relays held at Drake Stadium.
Friesen won gold in the 3000 meters (9:50.44 seconds), took first in the 1500 (4:31.11) and she placed 13th in the 800 (2:17.92). Saner finished 14th in the 100 dash in 12.70. Goodman placed seventh in the discus with a toss of 123 feet, 0 inches.
Friesen’s times in the 3000 and the 1500 were both personal records, and Goodman’s throw in the discus was also a personal record. 
In the 1500, Friesen posted the seventh fastest time all-time in Iowa history. In the 3000, Friesen recorded the 13th fastest time all-time in Iowa history. Friesen also became the first Crestwood runner to win two Drake titles, and she was only the third Northeast Iowa Conference athlete to win two events at Drake.
Friesen was pleased she was able to compete so well against many of the top athletes in Iowa at the Drake Relays.
“My goals for the races were to stick with the lead girls and use my kick at the end of the race,” Friesen said. “The keys to winning were giving myself a chance by being up with the leaders. I needed to use them to pull me along. 
“It felt amazing to cross the finish line in first place. I know what an honor it is to be named a Drake Relays Champion, and I have always dreamt of this moment. My goals are to finish this track season off strong with my team. I am excited for the rest of the season and what is in store,” Friesen said.
Naturally, Cadet Girls’ Coach Jim Obermann was thrilled to see Friesen, Saner and Goodman compete very well at the Drake Relays.
“What Ellie did at Drake was a tremendous accomplishment,” Obermann said. “I’m not sure if some people realize the significance of what she did at Drake. To even qualify for Drake is very impressive, but then to win at Drake is even more impressive.
“Ellie ran two great races (the 1500 and the 3000). In the 3000 meters, she hung behind Anna Hostetler (of Mid-Prairie) early in the race before she passed her in the final 200 meters to win. Ellie ran smart races. The 800 meters was a physical and tough race. Ellie had a little trouble in the 800, but overall, her performance at Drake was very impressive.
“Sharon had an outstanding performance at Drake to place seventh in the discus. She handled herself mentally very well, and she has shown a lot of maturity, which comes from being a successful athlete.
“Katie ran strong in the 100 dash at Drake. I think Drake will be a great stepping stone for her," Obermann said.
 

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